Desuó I C, Souza-Galheico C B, Shima S N, Santos G M M, Cruz J D, Bichara Filho C C, Dias C T S
Neotrop Entomol. 2011 Nov-Dec;40(6):653-60. doi: 10.1590/s1519-566x2011000600004.
The tribe Epiponini comprehends the swarm-founding Neotropical wasps, with several species endemic to Brazil, which are extremely important in studies of social evolution of wasps. The Epiponini diverge in several ways from the definitions of high eusociality, since caste syndromes range from species without morphological caste differentiation to those with complete caste dimorphism, and all species are polygynous. Frequently, indirect studies based on morphometry and physiology are the only solutions to collect data regarding the natural history and caste system in this tribe, since most species are extremely aggressive and build enveloped nests, usually in places of difficult access. We analyzed morphological parameters in seven colonies of the Epiponini species Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea Olivier in different phases of colonial development. Nine body variables were taken and females were classified according to their ovary development and spermathecal contents. The results showed that caste differences in this species are based on a contrast among variables: queens have larger mesosoma and abdomen, but are smaller in head width and wing length. These results suggest that morphological caste differentiation in this species is based mainly on body shape. We considered this combination of characters as being adaptive. We also showed that caste differences varied according to the colony cycle, with more conspicuous differences when queen number is reduced.
埃皮波尼尼部落包含新热带地区的群居黄蜂，其中有几种是巴西特有的物种，它们在黄蜂社会进化研究中极为重要。埃皮波尼尼部落与高度真社会性的定义在几个方面存在差异，因为其种型综合征范围从没有形态种型分化的物种到具有完全种型二态性的物种，并且所有物种都是多雌型的。通常，基于形态测量学和生理学的间接研究是收集该部落自然史和种型系统数据的唯一方法，因为大多数物种极具攻击性，并且建造封闭的巢穴，通常位于难以进入的地方。我们分析了埃皮波尼尼物种波利比娅（Trichothorax）丝光蜂Olivier在不同殖民地发育阶段的七个蜂群的形态参数。选取了九个身体变量，并根据卵巢发育和受精囊内容物对雌性进行分类。结果表明，该物种的种型差异基于变量之间的对比：蜂后有更大的中躯和腹部，但头宽和翅长较小。这些结果表明，该物种的形态种型分化主要基于体型。我们认为这种特征组合具有适应性。我们还表明，种型差异根据蜂群周期而变化，当蜂后数量减少时差异更为明显。
