PHYSICAL COMPARISONS OF FOUNDRESSES OF THE PAPER WASP, POLISTES METRICUS (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE)

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Abstract
In the paper wasp, Polistes metricus Say, subordinates and single foundresses of early colonies (< 16 days old) nesting in the same habitat were very similar in size, reproductive condition, and probability of being fertilized suggesting that these types of foundresses are comparable in reproductive potential. Queens of multiple foundress, early colonies were significantly larger, had larger ovaries, and more oocytes than their subordinates. In late colonies (> 30 days old) the differences in reproductive condition between queens and their subordinates were more pronounced. Reproductive condition and body size are likely to be important characters for sorting foundresses into hierarchies.