Genetic Relatedness and the Social Organization of Polistes Colonies

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Colonies of the primitively eusocial wasps P. apachus-bellicosus and P. exclamans were analyzed genetically to test the predictions of a simple kin selection model. Allozyme genotypes for polymorphic loci were determined for the adults and pupae of each colony. Estimations of the number of matings contributing to each colony were made based on the probability of obtaining each colony''s genotypic distribution from a single queen and 1 or 2 males or from 2 or more queens, each mated once. Data indicate that a succession of queens within the lifespan of a colony is common, and that the average degree of relatedness (r) between workers and female brood in a colony is < 1/2. A simple model of kin selection does not explain these observations; other explanations plus a more generalized model of kin selection are discussed.