An adaptive view of caste differentiation in the neotropical wasp Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea Olivier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Neotrop. entomol
;
40(6): 653-660, Nov.-Dec. 2011. ilus, graf, tab
Artigo
em Inglês
| LILACS
| ID: lil-624052
ABSTRACT
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.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
LILACS (Américas)
Assunto principal:
Vespas
/
Comportamento Animal
Limite:
Animais
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Neotrop. entomol
Assunto da revista:
Biologia
/
ZOOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
/
Documento de projeto
País de afiliação:
Brasil
Instituição/País de afiliação:
UNESP/BR
/
USP/BR
/
Univ Estadual de Feira de Santana/BR
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