Task division and age polyethism in colonies of Mischocyttarus latior social wasps (Fox) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

This paper aimed to study the division of labor between queen and workers, division of labor by age range and sequence of behavioral patterns exercised by females and males from Mischocyttarus latior (F.) colonies. Behaviors of 13 dominant females (queens), 68 subordinate (workers) from emergence until they are 77 days and 12 males in 37 colonies were quantified during 545 hours. There were 23 behavioral acts registered divided into five categories. Both dominant females as the workers showed a behavioral repertoire of 23 items, while males only 15. Dominants remain longer on the nest than subordinates and exercise exclusively the behavior of oviposition and rubbing gaster on the nest. Dominants also share 21 behaviors with the workers. Males foraged nectar, preys and water, and exercise other behaviors, mostly related to social activity. All behaviors can be performed by any potentially worker at any age.