Abstract
Phenotypic divergence plays an important role in establishment of the reproductive division of labor among castes in social insects; however, little is known about this subject in independent-founding polistine wasps. In this study, we investigated morphological differences among foundresses from associative and solitary foundations, as well as among females produced in different phases of the colony cycle in Mischocyttarus consimilis Zikán. Our results showed that the alpha foundress had significantly greater body size than auxiliary foundresses, although it did not differ in size from solitary foundresses. In addition, the alpha foundress had greater ovarian development than their auxiliary and solitary foundresses. We also demonstrated that gynes were significantly larger than workers. These results therefore suggest that the phenotype of females emerging in colonies M. consimilis can vary with the progress of the colony cycle, and that body size and ovarian condition are closely linked to the function performed by the foundress.
Highlights
Insect societies are characterized by the division of labor between the reproductive and non-reproductive castes, which is essential for the success of their societies (Robinson, 1992)
The results showed that foundresses of M. consimilis performing the reproductive function in pleometrotic foundations were significantly larger than their auxiliary
Several studies have shown that in pleometrotic foundations of IF polistine wasps, the colony reproductive function is aggressively disputed among potential females, and larger females have increased chances of subduing smaller competitors (Cant & Field, 2001; Tannure-Nascimento et al, 2008)
Summary
Insect societies are characterized by the division of labor between the reproductive and non-reproductive castes, which is essential for the success of their societies (Robinson, 1992). Evidence suggests that the morphological attributes, such as body size and ovarian state, can play an important role in establishment of the reproductive division of labor in independent-founding (IF) polistine wasps (Tibbetts & Dale, 2004; Tibbetts, 2006; Cervo et al, 2008). IF polistine wasps are an important model for study of the division of labor in less-advanced eusocial species. The colony tasks are shared among the foundresses, the reproductive function is performed by one female, who dominates the others (Röseler, 1991; Keeping, 1992; Prezoto et al, 2004). Females with a greater capacity for dominance are more likely to perform the colony reproductive function (Cervo et al, 2008; Zanette & Field, 2009). Since physical attributes are linked to the capacity for dominance, it has been suggested that body size could influence the
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