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Epicuticular lipids and fertility in primitively social wasps (Hymenoptera Stenogastrinae)
Author(s) -
Turillazzi S.,
Sledge M. F.,
Dapporto L.,
Landi M.,
Fanelli D.,
Fondelli L.,
Zanetti P.,
Dani F. R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
physiological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-3032
pISSN - 0307-6962
DOI - 10.1111/j.0307-6962.2004.00418.x
Subject(s) - biology , hymenoptera , zoology , ecology , botany
. Lipid cuticular profiles of females of four species belonging to three different genera of stenogastrine wasps are examined in connection with reproductive potential (relative ovarian development). Cuticular lipids may not only represent the cues for nestmate discrimination (already behaviourally ascertained in three of the same species), but also allow discrimination of fertile and non fertile individuals. Comparisons with more socially evolved insects are reported and discussed.