Caste differences in Pseudopolybia compressa (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae)

Pizarro, Laura Chavarría; Noll, Fernando Barbosa; Mateus, Sidnei

doi:10.1590/s1984-46702009000400006

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Our data also showed that the morphological caste differences of P. (T.) sericea varied according to the colony cycle, and that the differences between queens and workers were apparently larger when the number of queens was low (Table 1, Fig 3-III), a trend already shown by others (Noll & Zucchi 2000, 2002, Pizarro et al 2009, Desuó et al 2011. Therefore, variations in the number of queens and the observed caste differences appear to be related, leading to the conclusion that selection favors larger and more productive queens (queens with higher quantities of fat body and more developed ovaries).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

An adaptive view of caste differentiation in the neotropical wasp Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea Olivier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Desuó¹,

Souza-Galheico²,

Shima³

et al. 2011

Neotrop. entomol.

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The tribe Epiponini comprehends the swarm-founding Neotropical wasps, with several species endemic to Brazil, which are extremely important in studies of social evolution of wasps. The Epiponini diverge in several ways from the definitions of high eusociality, since caste syndromes range from species without morphological caste differentiation to those with complete caste dimorphism, and all species are polygynous. Frequently, indirect studies based on morphometry and physiology are the only solutions to collect data regarding the natural history and caste system in this tribe, since most species are extremely aggressive and build enveloped nests, usually in places of difficult access. We analyzed morphological parameters in seven colonies of the Epiponini species Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea Olivier in different phases of colonial development. Nine body variables were taken and females were classified according to their ovary development and spermathecal contents. The results showed that caste differences in this species are based on a contrast among variables: queens have larger mesosoma and abdomen, but are smaller in head width and wing length. These results suggest that morphological caste differentiation in this species is based mainly on body shape. We considered this combination of characters as being adaptive. We also showed that caste differences varied according to the colony cycle, with more conspicuous differences when queen number is reduced.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%