A quantitative threshold for nest-mate recognition in a paper social wasp.

The article discusses research on the existence of a threshold for nest-mate chemical recognition in the social wasp Polistes dominulus. The study sought to test the hypothesis that cuticular semiochemicals mediate the aggression of resident female social wasps towards intruders such as predators or social parasites. It has observed various behavioural reactions in the resident foundress to various amounts of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) in a foreign female. The implications of the findings for social parasitism are tackled.