Interspecific and intracolonial pigmentation pattern difference in Synoeca septentrionalis wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Abstract
This study records the difference of interspecific and intracolonial pigmentation on the second metasomal tergum of S. septentrionalis for the first time. Differentiation in the pigmentation pattern was achieved using CorelDraw software. Three out of the five colonies studied presented reddish pigmentation in the second metasomal tergum, also differentiation in the colour intensity among the castes were found in the colonies. This new finding contributes an improved understanding for differentiating the species from this genus.
Keywords
Colour dimorphism, epiponini, social insect, warrior wasp