Abstract
This study explores the relationship between various factors and the construction of the distinctive inclined, eccentric, and curved combs of Polistes annularis.Foundation and early construction show stereotypical inclination and bilateral symmetry. Eccentric comb shape is modestly related to inclination and highly repeatable by wasps building on combs of high inclination. Later construction by the foundresses or by their worker offspring is less stereotypical. Features associated with curvature of mature nests, such as nonhexagonal cells, are peculiar to construction by workers and occur nonrandomly, suggesting functional adaptation.
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Wenzel, J.W. Endogenous factors, external cues, and eccentric construction inPolistes annularis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). J Insect Behav 2, 679–699 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01065786
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01065786