title: Effects of changes in brood composition of the activities of three associated foundresses of the paper wasp Polistes dominulus (Christ).
abstract: In this study, the effects of changes in brood composition on the activities of the associated females are investigated in three-foundress nests during the pre-emergence period. Partial correlation coefficients were computed between four variables describing the brood composition (number of eggs, small larvae, large larvae, and pupae) and the duration of nineteen behavioural items performed by the foundresses. Alpha females were found to frequent the face of the comb when there was a large number of eggs. Once the larvae had hatched, these females participated only in activities taking place on the nest. Apart from periods of cell initiation, Alpha females left the nest only in order to rest. Beta females were generally very active, and their activity level was not sensitive to changes in the brood composition. Gamma females showed a lower activity level which was easily stimulated by changes in the brood. These females seem to start working when Beta activity no longer suffices to meet the needs of the colony.
authors.affiliation: Éthologie UPS 38, CNRS, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13402 Marseille Cédex 9, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pratte