Queens of the paper wasp Polistes fuscatus (Hymenoptera : Vespidae) discriminate among larvae on the basis of relatedness

The ability of queens of the paper wasp Polistes fuscatus to recognize larv ae on the basis of colony origin was investigated in the laboratory. In a b lind, binary choice paradigm, queens discriminated between larvae from thei r own colony and unrelated larvae, and between larvae from a sister colony and unrelated larvae. However, queens failed to discriminate between larvae from their own colony and larvae from a sister colony, indicating that que ens of multiple-foundress colonies may lack the ability to make intracoloni al brood discriminations on the basis of relatedness. These results demonst rate that recognition of larvae is mediated by larval-borne, genetically sp ecified odors. Gas chromatograph/mass spectral analysis revealed that adult s and larvae have similar cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, suggesting that t he cues mediating larval and adult recognition may be the same.