How does communication evolve? Insights from geographic variation in facial signaling in Polistes paper wasps

Communication systems require coordination between senders and receivers; therefore, understanding how novel signals arise is challenging. Intraspecific geographic variation in signaling provides an opportunity to investigate the factors that shape signal evolution. Facial signals in Polistes paper wasps provide an interesting case study for the causes and consequences of geographic variation in signaling systems. Two species of paper wasps, Polistes dominula and Polistes fuscatus, have been well studied for their facial patterns that signal quality and individual identity, respectively. Remarkably, whether or not facial patterns are used as signals at all appears to vary geographically in both species. The relative evidence for the roles of phenotypic plasticity versus genetic differentiation is discussed. Future research directions that leverage geographic variation in Polistes hold promise to substantially contribute to understanding the links between signals and behavior, as well as the evolution of cognition.