Context-dependent use of olfactory cues by foragers of Vespula germanica social wasps

Yossen, María Belén; Buteler, Micaela; Lozada, Mariana

doi:10.1007/s10071-021-01583-4

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Previous investigations carried out in this species have demonstrated spatial learning processes after a single collecting experience (e.g. Moreyra et al, 2016; Moreyra & Lozada, 2021; Yossen et al, 2020, 2021). For example, when two dishes containing different quantities of meat were simultaneously presented, wasps preferred to collect food from the one with the greater amount; however, when the position of the dishes was switched, wasps collected meat from the learned site irrespective of the amount of resource (Moreyra & Lozada, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 69%

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Spatial configuration learning in Vespula germanica forager wasps

Moreyra

Lozada

2022

Ethology

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In the present study, we sought to evaluate spatial learning in V. germanica wasps when dealing with environmental changes while localising food in a Y‐maze. We analysed whether foragers learn the spatial configuration of a Y‐maze and remember the location of the entrance when the position of vertical and horizontal cues was modified after a single collecting experience. Four experiments were performed in order to assess how returning wasps localise the previously rewarded site under contextual changes (N = 84). The results demonstrate that wasps learned the spatial configuration of a Y‐maze, after one visit, in all given circumstances. Foragers chose to re‐enter the maze through the entrance, irrespective of the contextual changes in the vertical cues or the relative geographical position of the Y‐maze (horizontal cues). Moreover, our findings reveal that wasps responded differently in relation to the location of the vertical and horizontal cues on their second visit. When the horizontal cues were kept in the original position after the first visit, wasps ignored the novel location of the vertical cues. Conversely, when the position of the Y‐maze was changed, the cylinders seemed to have had a greater influence on the initial wasps' response. The current investigation confirms previous findings on the versatile behaviour of V. germanica when dealing with modifications in anthropised scenarios, which might favour its establishment in novel territories suffering from unpredictable environmental changes due to the climate crisis.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 69%

“…Previous investigations carried out in this species have demonstrated spatial learning processes after a single collecting experience (e.g. Moreyra et al, 2016;Yossen et al, 2020Yossen et al, , 2021.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Spatial configuration learning in Vespula germanica forager wasps

Moreyra

Lozada

2022

Ethology

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“…When searching for food, social wasps integrate a diversity of sensory cues (visual, spatial and olfactory; Baker & Potter, 2020; Elmquist & Landolt, 2018; Lozada & D'Adamo, 2014; MacKenzie et al., 2006; Moreyra et al., 2012; Moreyra & Lozada, 2021, 2022; Raveret Richter, 2000; Yossen et al., 2022). The way in which foraging wasps use these cues depends both on the context in which predation takes place and the type of prey (D'Adamo & Lozada, 2007; Moreyra et al., 2006; Moreyra & Lozada, 2018; Raveret Richter, 2000; Raveret Richter & Jeanne, 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polistes dominula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) paper wasps detect native grasshoppers using olfactory cues

Moreyra,

Lozada,

Fernández‐Arhex

et al. 2023

Austral Ecology

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Polistes dominula is an invasive social wasp that preys on the grasshopper Dichroplus elongatus, which constitutes a potential agricultural pest in Northwest Patagonia. This grasshopper feeds on a wide variety of plants, the ‘Dandelion’ (Taraxacum officinale) being one of the main food resources. In this study, by means of a Y‐tube olfactometer, we analysed the use of olfactory cues by P. dominula in the detection of grasshoppers. Specifically, we evaluated the attractiveness of live grasshoppers, their traces (i.e. leaves with herbivory traces + prey faeces or only faeces) and herbivory‐free leaves. The results showed that foragers equally chose olfactory cues emitted by grasshoppers and leaves with herbivory traces + faeces and herbivory‐free leaves, suggesting that the leaves of the host plant also have an important role in the searching behaviour. The current research is the first to demonstrate that the invasive paper wasp orients its search towards either the presence of grasshopper prey or the volatiles of plant leaves. These findings shed new light on predator‐prey interactions mediated by olfactory cues in P. dominula, which may play a biological role as a natural controller of D. elongatus, phytophagous pest in the invaded ecosystems.

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Context-dependent use of olfactory cues by foragers of Vespula germanica social wasps

Cited by 2 publications

References 43 publications

Spatial configuration learning in Vespula germanica forager wasps

Spatial configuration learning in Vespula germanica forager wasps

Polistes dominula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) paper wasps detect native grasshoppers using olfactory cues

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