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Storage proteins in vespid wasps: characterization, developmental pattern, and occurrence in adults
James H Hunt1, Norman A Buck, Diana E Wheeler
1Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St Louis, St Louis, MO 63121, USA. jimhunt@umsl.edu
Journal of Insect Physiology
|July 26, 2003
Summary
Vespidae wasps utilize storage proteins like hexamerin during metamorphosis. Their presence in adult wasps suggests a role in caste differentiation, but not in all species like yellowjackets.
Area of Science:
- Insect biochemistry
- Evolutionary biology
- Social insect physiology
Background:
- Vespidae wasps, encompassing yellowjackets and paper wasps, exhibit complex social structures.
- Storage proteins are crucial macromolecules utilized during developmental transitions in many insects.
- Previous research identified three major storage proteins in Hymenoptera: very high density lipoprotein, high glutamine/glutamic acid protein, and hexamerin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential roles of storage proteins in adult Vespidae wasps.
- To determine if storage protein utilization differs between solitary and social wasp species.
- To explore the relationship between storage proteins and caste differentiation in paper wasps (Polistes) and yellowjackets (Vespula).
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis of larval and adult wasps from different Vespidae species.
- Immunological assays to detect specific storage proteins.
- Comparative analysis of protein occurrence in relation to wasp size, developmental stage, and social role.
Main Results:
- Three major storage proteins, including hexamerin, were identified in Vespidae, consistent with patterns in other Hymenoptera.
- Hexamerin was found in adult female wasps (Monobia quadridens, Polistes spp.), with quantity potentially linked to larval nutrition.
- In Polistes, hexamerin presence varied between reproductive and worker females, suggesting a role in caste differentiation.
- No storage proteins were detected in adult Vespula maculifrons (yellowjackets).
Conclusions:
- Storage proteins are synthesized and utilized during metamorphosis in Vespidae, serving as an amino acid source.
- The presence of hexamerin in adult female wasps may indicate carry-over from larval provisions or post-emergence feeding.
- Storage proteins, particularly hexamerin, might play a role in caste determination in some paper wasp species.
- Caste differentiation in vespine wasps (yellowjackets) appears not to involve storage proteins.