Phylogenetic Constraint Test in Cuticular Hydrocarbons of Neotropical Swarm-founding Social Wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Epiponini)

Abstract Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are present in several insects. One of the most important functions of these compounds in social insects is the exchange of signals during interactions between nestmates. Although we know about the functions performed by CHCs, we still have little information about how these compounds evolved within different groups of insects, especially among wasps. In this study, we examine the diversity and abundance of the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of 17 species of Epiponini wasps using a phylogenetic approach. We investigated phylogenetic constraints on the evolution of CHCs in Epiponini. We then calculated the phylogenetic signal for all compounds present in the studied species. For several CHC traits, the phylogenetic signal was low, indicating a random expectation. Moreover, within a phylogenetic context, we did not find a pattern of increasing or decreasing number of compounds or structural groups. However, we verified that Epiponini wasps, a tribe that shows colony foundation by swarming, exhibit a smaller number of CHC compounds than the tribes (Mischocyttarini and Polistini) that show an independent foundation. Probably this difference is related to their type of nest and nesting behavior.