| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
da Silva, R. C.
[1]
;
Brown, R. L.
[2]
;
do Nascimento, F. S.
[1]
;
Wenseelers, T.
[3]
;
Oi, C. A.
[3]
Total Authors: 5
|
| Affiliation: | [1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Ave Bandeirantes, 3900, BR-14040900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Manaaki Whenua Landcare Res, Biocontrol & Mol Ecol, Lincoln - New Zealand
[3] Univ Leuven, KU Leuven, Lab Socioecol & Social Evolut, Leuven - Belgium
Total Affiliations: 3
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Insectes Sociaux; v. 68, n. 2-3, p. 261-276, AUG 2021. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 0 |
| Abstract | |
The complex system of communication used by social insects is responsible for their success on Earth. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are considered the most commonly used form of communication among social insects. The best-known function of CHCs is to distinguish nestmates, providing cues to the whole colony to identify potential threats. In some species, CHCs function as queen pheromones, which contribute to the queens' ability to regulate the reproductive division of labor. Additionally, differences of CHCs were described in castes and they are also important in sex recognition. Here, we reinvestigated the chemical composition on the cuticle of German wasp Vespula germanica and we found that proportions of linear alkanes were more abundant in the cuticle of queens than other castes. Chemical analysis between caste and sex, including data of virgin queens and males, showed that each group possesses different compositions on their cuticle, being mostly quantitative differences. Thus, individuals of V. germanica may recognize and discriminate caste and sex through subtle chemical variations, or alternatively, based on templates used in nestmate recognition. The chemical analysis provides correlative evidence of CHCs being used as cues in the chemical communication of this species. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 18/22461-3 - Searching for the missing link: the eggs act as an alternative vehicle of communication in social systems? |
| Grantee: | Rafael Carvalho da Silva |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |
| FAPESP's process: | 18/10996-0 - An Evo-Devo perspective on reproductive division of labour in wasps |
| Grantee: | Fábio Santos do Nascimento |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |