Evaluation of chemical signatures in the developmental stages of mischocyttarus consimilis zikán (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) employing gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

Abstract

Both the hydrocarbons present in the cuticle of social wasps, as the material of the nest have compounds that are responsible for mediating the interactions between individuals within their colonies. It is known that each developmental stage from egg to adult has its own cuticular chemical composition. However, no studies regarding this subject was performed with social wasps of the genus Mischocyttarus, thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of cuticular chemical composition of all developmental stages and nest of the social wasp Mischocyttarus consimilis by GCMS. As a result, 109 compounds were identified in the cuticle and nest material, 79 branched alkanes, 20 linear alkanes, 9 alkenes and 1 fatty acid. Each stage has its own epicuticular chemical composition. During the progression of developmental stages there is a reduction in number of linear alkanes and an increase in branched alkanes. These changes may occur due to the roles played by the different classes of compounds during each stage.