Natural history and behaviour of the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): a comparison of the two sexes

Sen, R. ; Gadagkar, R. (2010) Natural history and behaviour of the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): a comparison of the two sexes Journal of Natural History, 44 (15&16). pp. 959-968. ISSN 0022-2933

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Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222931003615703

Abstract

We report the natural history and behaviour of the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata with a special reference to the males. We found that just as nests of this species are found throughout the year, so are the males. Females spend all their life in their nests but males stay in their natal nests only for 1-12 days and leave to lead a nomadic life. Males maintained in the laboratory can live for up to 140 days. Like all eusocial hymenopteran males, R. marginata males also do not perform any colony maintenance activities. We found that males did not forage or feed larvae. Compared with females, males showed fewer dominance and subordinate behaviours and being solicited behaviour and more feeding self and soliciting behaviours. By comparing males with young females, we found similar differences, except that the males showed similar rates of feeding self and higher rates of subordinate behaviour.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Keywords:Ropalidia marginata; Male Behaviour; Comparison of Male's and Female's Lifespans; Primitively Eusocial
ID Code:23712
Deposited On:26 Nov 2010 08:56
Last Modified:31 May 2011 09:23

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