Unrelated helpers in a social insect

David C. Queller (), Francesca Zacchi, Rita Cervo, Stefano Turillazzi, Michael T. Henshaw, Lorenzo A. Santorelli and Joan E. Strassmann
Additional contact information
David C. Queller: PO Box 1892
Francesca Zacchi: PO Box 1892
Rita Cervo: Dipartmento di Biologia Animale é Genetica, Università di Firenze
Stefano Turillazzi: Dipartmento di Biologia Animale é Genetica, Università di Firenze
Michael T. Henshaw: PO Box 1892
Lorenzo A. Santorelli: Dipartmento di Biologia Animale é Genetica, Università di Firenze
Joan E. Strassmann: PO Box 1892

Nature, 2000, vol. 405, issue 6788, 784-787

Abstract: Abstract High-resolution genetic markers have revolutionized our understanding of vertebrate mating systems1, 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 relatives2,3; therefore, non-reproductive helping behaviour can be favoured by kin selection, because the helpers aid reproductives who share their genes4. 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 societies5,6, in which the unrelated helpers gain through inheritance of a territory or a mate.

Date: 2000
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DOI: 10.1038/35015552

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