The effect of a wasp's age on its cuticular hydrocarbon profile and its tolerance by nestmate and non-nestmate conspecifics (Polistes fuscatus, Hymenoptera : Vespidae)

The effect of a wasp's age on its cuticular hydrocarbon profile and its tolerance by nestmate and non-nestmate conspecifics was investigated in a laboratory study of newly eclosed wasps (Polistes fuscatus) that were isolated from their comb at eclosion. In blind observations, mature females did not discriminate between young nestmates and non-nestmates that were less than or equal to 48 h-old. However, mature females did discriminate between young nestmates and non-nestmates that were 72 h old. Specifically, mature females were significantly more tolerant of land significantly more likely to accept) 72 h-old nestmates than 72 h old non-nestmates. The abundance, relative abundance, and colony specificity of cuticular hydrocarbons changed significantly between 24 h-old and 72 h-old wasps. Our behavioral and chemical evidence indicates that wasps begin to develop a colony signature between 2 and 3 d of age.