Mutualistic Relationships between Microorganisms and Eusocial Wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

Eusocial wasps are represented in the Vespidae by the subfamilies Stenogastrinae, Vespinae and Polistinae. These wasps present colonies that are sometimes composed of thousands of individuals which live in nests built with paper materials. The high density of the adult and larval population, as well as the stable micro environment of the nests, make very favourable conditions for the flourishing of various types of microorganisms. These microorganisms, which may be pathogens, are beneficial and certainly contribute to model the sociality of these insects. The mutualistic relationships that we observe in some species, especially in Actinomycete bacteria and yeasts, could have important fallouts for the development of new medicines and for the use of these insects in agricultural environments.

Automated summary

Eusocial wasps, including subfamilies Stenogastrinae, Vespinae, and Polistinae, form colonies with thousands of individuals and build nests using paper materials. The dense population and stable micro environment in these nests create favorable conditions for various microorganisms, which can contribute to both pathogenicity and the development of sociality in these insects. The mutualistic relationships observed in some species, particularly with Actinomycete bacteria and yeasts, have potential implications in medicine and agriculture.