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Table 2 Summary of differences in the endocrinology of three genera of wasps

From: The role of juvenile hormone in dominance behavior, reproduction and cuticular pheromone signaling in the caste-flexible epiponine wasp, Synoeca surinama

Hormone & effect

Synoeca surinama

Polybia micans

Polistes sp.

JH titers rise in reproductive competitors in a queenless colony

Yes (Figure 3B; Additional file 1: Figure S2)

Yes [34]

Yes [26]

JH titers remain elevated in potential reproductives as they become queens

Yes (Figure 3; Additional file 1: Figure S2)

No [34]

Yes [26]

JH higher in queens than workers

Yes (Figure 3A)

No [34]

Yes [21]

JH higher in lone (vs. multiple) queens

Maybe (Additional file 1: Figure S2F,G)

Yes [34]

n/a

JH and/or methoprene induces aggressive behaviors in potential reproductives

No (Figure 5A)

Not tested

Yes [23]-[25] (but see [48])

High JH sustains ovarian development

Yes (Figure 5B)

No [34]

Yes [22],[23],[49]

JH involved in regulating the CHC profile of maturing reproductives

Yes (Figure 8)

Maybe [34] (does not sustain)

Yes [27] (correlated in P. dominula)

JH involved in age-related changes of behavior of workers

Maybe (Additional file 2: Figure S3)

Maybe (H.Kelstrup, unpubl.)

Probably [21],[30]

Ecdysteroids present in the ovaries

Yes (Figure 4A,B)

Yes [34]

Yes [28]

Ecdysteroids present in the hemolymph and augment aggressive behaviors

No (Figure 4C)

Doubtful [34]

Yes [25],[28]