Les relations parentales chez les hyménoptères sociaux

Abstract

The societies of Hymenoptera are family groups where several generations live together. Parental relationships are particularly developed and are usually integrated into the division of labor. Parental behaviors include mainly licking, feeding the larvae, ther- moregulation and transport of the brood, aiding in pupation and hatching. The parental relationships in, social Hymenoptera are developed according to phylo- genesis, in the same way as other behavioral types. These relations involve the use of specific signals, some emitted by the young and others by the adults. Some of the signals are learned during an early experience. In these insects, the progeny (or brood) constitute a basic class which is necessary to the physiological and behavioral regulations of the society.