Determinants of immature brood and nest recognition in a stenogastrine wasp (Hymenoptera Vespidae)

Parischnogaster mellyi is a common species of hover wasp which lives in the Oriental Region. In this research we wanted to achieve a deeper understanding of some aspects of its social biology and chemical ecology considering the composition of colonies, the reproductive potential of the female nest-mates, the chemical similarities between the adult cuticular hydrocarbons, the nest paper, the Dufour's gland secretion of the females and the pap placed on the eggs as a support for larval development. We were able to assess with nest exchange experiments that this species is capable of immature brood recognition. Neither the pap placed on eggs, nor the nest odour are used in this recognition process, despite the potential discrimination cues shown by chemical analyses.