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Widespread Occurrence of Black-Orange-Black Color Pattern in Hymenoptera
R Mora1,2, P E Hanson2
1Universidad de Costa Rica, Centro de Investigación en Biología Celular y Molecular, Ciudad de la Investigación Postal, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, SJ, Costa Rica.
Journal of Insect Science (Online)
|March 10, 2019
Summary
The black-orange-black (BOB) coloration pattern is widespread across 23 Hymenoptera families, suggesting convergent evolution for important biological functions like defense. This striking pattern appears in diverse insect groups globally.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Insect Morphology
Background:
- Convergent evolution of color patterns is known in insects, often linked to aposematism and mimicry.
- While common in beetles and butterflies, this phenomenon is less studied in Hymenoptera (wasps, ants, bees).
- A recurring black head, orange/red mesosoma, and black metasoma (BOB) pattern is noted in some Hymenoptera, particularly scelionids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the taxonomic distribution of the BOB coloration across the order Hymenoptera.
- To investigate the prevalence and variations of this specific insect color pattern.
- To provide a preliminary tabulation of BOB coloration within Hymenoptera.
Main Methods:
- Examination of museum specimens of Hymenoptera.
- Literature review to identify and document occurrences of BOB coloration.
- Inclusion of 11 variations of the typical BOB pattern.
Main Results:
- The BOB color pattern was identified in species from 23 Hymenoptera families.
- Most frequent occurrences were in scelionids, evaniids, and mutillids.
- The pattern was found globally, in both sexes, and across various insect lifestyles (parasitoids, phytophagous).
Conclusions:
- The widespread distribution of BOB coloration strongly suggests convergent evolution in Hymenoptera.
- This pattern likely serves a significant biological function, potentially related to defense mechanisms.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific adaptive roles of this coloration.
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