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Phenotypically plastic traits regulate caste formation and soldier function in polyembryonic wasps.

M S Smith1, I Milton, M R Strand

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|November 3, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Polyembryonic wasps exhibit caste systems with sterile soldiers. Comparative studies reveal soldier function varies, suggesting adaptation to defend resources or resolve sex ratio conflicts, influenced by plastic traits.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Insect Behavior
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Polyembryonic encyrtid wasps reproduce clonally, developing a sterile soldier caste.
  • The soldier caste's role is debated: sex ratio conflict mediation versus developmental constraint.
  • Copidosoma floridanum theory predicts female-biased soldier production for sex ratio conflict.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether female-biased soldier production in polyembryonic wasps is adaptive or a constraint.
  • To compare caste formation and soldier function between Copidosoma floridanum and Copidosoma bakeri.
  • To determine the role of phenotypic plasticity in regulating caste development and soldier function.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative study of two polyembryonic wasp species: Copidosoma floridanum and Copidosoma bakeri.
  • Analysis of oviposition behavior, progeny development, and soldier larvae function.
  • Assessment of brood characteristics, including clutch size and sex ratio conflict association.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences observed in adult oviposition, progeny development, and soldier function between C. floridanum and C. bakeri.
  • C. bakeri rarely produces broods associated with sex ratio conflict, unlike C. floridanum.
  • Soldier caste formation and function are regulated by phenotypically plastic traits.

Conclusions:

  • Caste formation and soldier function in polyembryonic wasps are highly plastic traits.
  • Soldier caste function can be adapted for defense of host resources against competitors.
  • Alternatively, soldier caste function may serve to resolve sex ratio conflicts within broods.