Mass Provisioning

Definition

The practice where a mother provides all the food her offspring will need before she lays the eggs. This is common in some solitary bees and wasps.

Etymology

From Latin 'mass' meaning 'large quantity' and 'provision' meaning 'to supply'.

Example

Mass provisioning is seen in solitary wasps where the female stocks the nest with paralyzed prey for her developing larvae.

Related Terms

• Brood Care
• Solitary Bees
• Solitary Wasps

Usage Notes

Mass provisioning is different from progressive provisioning, where food is provided to the offspring over time.