Alternative mating tactics in males of polistes dominulus hymenoptera vespidae

摘要: In summer, males of Polistes dominulus form large aggregations at sunny landmarks. We identified two size-correlated behavioural categories: residents (R) and transient (T). R males, which constitute 20%–25% the total population, are larger than T territorial, aggressive, more site-faithful, while range widely, non-aggressive, show little site tenacity. Field laboratory data suggest that have an advantage in mating, particularly if they engage frequent flights on their territories. These alternative mating tactics within same population combined with flexibility some individuals, switch from one option to other.