Sociogenetic structure of Polistes (Aphanilopterus) versicolor Olivier, 1791 colonies (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistini)

Abstract

The observation of two distinct, well-defined oviposition areas in nests of the primitively eusocial wasp Polistes versicolor suggests the presence of multiple egg-layers and territorial behaviors. Electrophoretic analysis of enzyme loci in pupae from 35 colonies revealed an average observed heterozygosity of 0.10 and the existence of private polymorphisms, thereby indicating a low dispersion in this species. No evidence of diploid males was found. Phenotypic segregation analysis revealed the presence of more than one egg-laying female in 15 out of 35 colonies, as well as spatially preferential oviposition in 2 out of 13 nests, with distinct oviposition areas. Genetic relatedness estimates for brood were lower than expected for haplodiploid species under monogynous conditions (r = 0.75 for female broods and r = 0.5 for male) in 4 of those 13 nests, thereby inferring complex sociogenetic structuring in Polistes versicolor colonies.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Polistes nimpha based on DNA microsatellite markers

“…Several factors have led to the intensive study of these species using either traditional (morphologic, behavioral and/or ecologic data) or molecular approaches. These are, for example, interesting population structure and genetics, a wide range of diversity in nesting habits and life cycle, and their role in ecosystems (Pardi 1948 ; Ono 1989 ; Sayama and Takahashi 2005 ; Hughes et al 2008 ; Miyano et al 2010 ; Nagamati Jr. et al 2010 ; Tsuchida et al 2014 ).…”

Phylogeny and historical biogeography of the paper wasp genusPolistes(Hymenoptera: Vespidae): implications for the overwintering hypothesis of social evolution

“…Although there is evidence for multiple egg‐layers on occasion (e.g. Nagamati Junior et al., ), all species of Polistes can be considered at least predominantly monogynous. The obvious assumption made by the overwintering hypothesis is that the ancestral Polistes evolved within a temperate habitat, a conclusion at odds with the idea of a tropical Oriental centre of origin.…”

Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci in the Independent-founding Wasp Polists versicolor (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

“…In this species, colonies show different development stages throughout the year and are influenced by climatic and ethological factors (Gobbi & Zucchi, 1980, 1985, which characterize an asynchronous biological cycle. Strassmann et al (1989) and Junior et al (2010) estimated genetic relatedness among nestmates in P. versicolor using enzymes, but no study has been made to evaluate colony genetic structure in this species using microsatellite markers. In this study, we examined whether existing primers developed for Polistes could be used for P. versicolor.…”