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Bruschini C, Cervo R, Turillazzi S. Defensive responses to visual and vibrational stimulations in colonies of the social waspPolistes dominulus. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2005.9522585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cervo R, Macinai V, Dechigi F, Turillazzi S. Fast Growth of Immature Brood in a Social Parasite Wasp: A Convergent Evolution between Avian and Insect Cuckoos. Am Nat 2004; 164:814-820. [PMID: 29641918 DOI: 10.1086/425987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Studies on avian cuckoos have demonstrated that parasite chicks compete with host fledglings to monopolize food or manipulate the foster parents to increase their provisioning rate. This topic has never been explicitly investigated in insect social parasites, which use the social system of another species to raise their brood. Here we show that the immature brood of the cuckoo wasp Polistes sulcifer grows more rapidly than the host immature brood. Host workers perform more parental care to parasite larvae than to conspecific ones. Thus, the rapid growth of the parasite larvae is evidently due to increased host care, which prolongs the development of host larvae reared in the same colony. We suggest that parasite larvae play an active role in host exploitation through manipulation of host workers, as occurs in parasitic birds.
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Lorenzi MC, Cervo R, Zacchi F, Turillazzi S, Bagnères AG. Dynamics of chemical mimicry in the social parasite wasp Polistes semenowi (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Parasitology 2004; 129:643-51. [PMID: 15552409 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182004005992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Chemical cues are so important in the recognition mechanism of social insects that most social parasites (which rely on hosts to rear their brood) have been documented as overcoming the mechanism by which colony residents recognize non-nestmates, by mimicking the odour of the usurped colony. We simulated in the laboratory the process by which the obligate social parasite, Polistes semenowi, invades nests of the host species, Polistes dominulus, in the field and analysed the epicuticular lipid layer before and after host nest usurpation. The experiment documents that P. semenowi social parasites have an epicuticular hydrocarbon pattern which is very similar to that of their host but, after entering host colonies, parasites mimic the odour of the colonies they invade, to the point that they perfectly match the hydrocarbon profile peculiar to the colony they entered. However, both before and after host nest invasion, parasites show a tendency to possess diluted recognition cues with respect to their hosts.
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Dapporto L, Cervo R, Sledge MF, Turillazzi S. Rank integration in dominance hierarchies of host colonies by the paper wasp social parasite Polistes sulcifer (Hymenoptera, Vespidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2004; 50:217-223. [PMID: 15019524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2003.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2003] [Revised: 11/26/2003] [Accepted: 11/26/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In multiple-foundress nests of the wasp Polistes dominulus, dominance hierarchies are established among foundresses, and only the dominant (=alpha) individual lays eggs. The alpha female can be distinguished from subordinate females and workers on the basis of the proportions of some hydrocarbons present on the cuticle, suggesting that chemical signaling of her reproductive status could occur. P. dominulus is also the host species of the obligate social parasite Polistes sulcifer. After aggressively usurping host colonies and behaviorally replacing the host alpha female, parasites are characterized by a change in the proportions of their cuticular hydrocarbons to match that of the host cuticular profile at both species and colony levels. In the current study, we demonstrate that P. sulcifer queens also modify their cuticular hydrocarbon proportions after usurpation to match that of the host alpha female. Parasite females, therefore, acquire the dominant rank in host colonies both reproductively and chemically by mimicking the typical alpha profile of the host. Parasite females were not able to fully inhibit ovary development in host foundresses, and 10 days after usurpation, parasites, alpha and beta foundresses show similar chemical profiles and ovarian development.
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Strassmann JE, Nguyen JS, Arévalo E, Cervo R, Zacchi F, Turillazzi S, Queller DC. Worker interests and male production in Polistes gallicus, a Mediterranean social wasp. J Evol Biol 2003; 16:254-9. [PMID: 14635864 DOI: 10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The resolution of social conflict in colonies may accord with the interests of the most numerous party. In social insect colonies with single once-mated queens, workers are more closely related to the workers' sons than they are to the queens' sons. Therefore, they should prefer workers to produce males, against the queen's interests. Workers are capable of producing males as they arise from unfertilized eggs. We found Polistes gallicus to have colonies of single, once-mated queens, as determined by microsatellite genotyping of the workers, so worker interests predict worker male production. In colonies lacking queens, workers produced the males, but not in colonies with original queens. Thus worker interests were expressed only when the queen was gone. The high fraction of missing queens and early end to the colony cycle relative to climate so early in the season is surprising and may indicate a forceful elimination of the queen.
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Sledge MF, Dani FR, Cervo R, Dapporto L, Turillazzi S. Recognition of social parasites as nest-mates: adoption of colony-specific host cuticular odours by the paper wasp parasite Polistes sulcifer. Proc Biol Sci 2001; 268:2253-60. [PMID: 11674873 PMCID: PMC1088873 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2001.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonies of the polistine wasp Polistes dominulus are parasitized by the permanent worker-less social parasite Polistes sulcifer. After usurpation of the host colony, parasite females are characterized by a change in the relative proportions of their cuticular hydrocarbons to match those of the host species. In this paper we present evidence from field data and laboratory experiments that P. sulcifer females adopt a colony-specific host odour that facilitates their acceptance by host females of the usurped colony. Presentation experiments demonstrate that parasite females are recognized as foreign individuals by workers of other parasitized nests. We show that the modification of parasite cuticular compounds is sufficient for this recognition. This provides evidence that, after invasion, P. sulcifer queens do not require appeasement or propaganda substances for their acceptance by host colonies. Furthermore, multivariate discriminant analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbon proportions of the parasites after usurpation assigns the parasites together with P. dominulus females of their own host colony. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first confirmation that social parasites adopt colony-specific host odours.
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Queller DC, Zacchi F, Cervo R, Turillazzi S, Henshaw MT, Santorelli LA, Strassmann JE. Unrelated helpers in a social insect. Nature 2000; 405:784-7. [PMID: 10866197 DOI: 10.1038/35015552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution genetic markers have revolutionized our understanding of vertebrate mating systems, but have so far yielded few comparable surprises about kinship in social insects. Here we use microsatellite markers to reveal an unexpected and unique social system in what is probably the best-studied social wasp, Polistes dominulus. Social insect colonies are nearly always composed of close relatives; therefore, non-reproductive helping behaviour can be favoured by kin selection, because the helpers aid reproductives who share their genes. In P. dominulus, however, 35% of foundress nestmates are unrelated and gain no such advantage. The P. dominulus system is unlike all other cases of unrelated social insects, because one individual has nearly complete reproductive dominance over subordinates who could have chosen other reproductive options. The only significant advantage that subordinates obtain is a chance at later reproduction, particularly if the queen dies. Thus, P. dominulus societies are functionally unlike other social insects, but similar to certain vertebrate societies, in which the unrelated helpers gain through inheritance of a territory or a mate.
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Turillazzi S, Sledge MF, Dani FR, Cervo R, Massolo A, Fondelli L. Social hackers: integration in the host chemical recognition system by a paper wasp social parasite. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2000; 87:172-6. [PMID: 10840803 DOI: 10.1007/s001140050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Obligate social parasites in the social insects have lost the worker caste and the ability to establish nests. As a result, parasites must usurp a host nest, overcome the host recognition system, and depend on the host workers to rear their offspring. We analysed cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of live parasite females of the paper wasp social parasite Polistes sulcifer before and after usurpation of host nests, using the non-destructive technique of solid-phase micro-extraction. Our results reveal that hydrocarbon profiles of parasites change after usurpation of host nests to match the cuticular profile of the host species. Chemical evidence further shows that the parasite queen changes the odour of the nest by the addition of a parasite-specific hydrocarbon. We discuss the possible role of this in the recognition and acceptance of the parasite and its offspring in the host colony.
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Turillazzi S, Cervo R, Dani F. Intra and inter-specific relationships in a cluster of stenogastrine wasp colonies (Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1997. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1997.9522880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cervo R. Morphological adaptations to the parasitic life inPolistes sulciferandP. atrimandibularis(Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1994. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.1994.10721975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Lorenzi M, Cervo R. Intraspecific usurpation inPolistes biglumisbimaculatus (Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1993. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1993.9523055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cervo R, Bertocci F, Turillazzi S. Factors influencing choice of host nest in the social parasite Polistes sulcifer(Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1993. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1993.9523036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Carpenter JM, Strassmann JE, Turillazzi S, Hughes CR, Solis CR, Cervo R. PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PAPER WASP SOCIAL PARASITES AND THEIR HOSTS (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE; POLISTINAE). Cladistics 1993; 9:129-146. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-0031.1993.tb00214.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Dani F, Cervo R, Turillazzi S. Abdomen stroking behaviour and its possible functions in Polistes dominulus (christ) (hymenoptera, vespidae). Behav Processes 1992; 28:51-8. [DOI: 10.1016/0376-6357(92)90048-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/1992] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lorenzi MC, Cervo R, Turillazzi S. Effects of social parasitism ofpolistes atrimandibularison the colony cycle and brood production ofpolistes biglumis bimaculatus(Hymenoptera, Vespidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1992. [DOI: 10.1080/11250009209386681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Dani FR, Cervo R. Reproductive strategies following nest loss inPolistes gallicus(L.) (Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1992. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.1992.10721947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Cervo R, Dani FR, Turillazzi S. Preliminary note on Polistes atrimandibularis, the social parasite of Polistes gallicus(Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1992. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.1992.10721946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Lorenzi MC, Cervo R, Turillazzi S. Colonial cycle ofSulcopolistes atrimandibularis, social parasite ofPolistes biglumis bimaculatus(Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1991. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.1991.10721908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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70
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Delfino G, Cervo R, Calloni C, Turillazzi S. Preliminary ultrastructural findings on the sternal glands of malePolistes nimpha(Christ). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1991. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.1991.10721911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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71
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Cervo R, Lorenzi M, Turillazzi S. Different strategies of host nest invasion in two species of Sulcopolistes(Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1990. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1990.9525432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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72
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Lupo C, Beam L, Cervo R, Lodi L, Dessi‐Fulgheri F. Steroid hormones and reproductive history of the grey partridge(Perdix perdix). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1080/11250009009355703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Cervo R, Turillazzi S. Nest exchange experiments inPolistes gallicus(L.) (Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1989. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1989.9525522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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