Nest-based information transfer and foraging activation in the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)

The apparent absence of intra-nest signals and communication about food resources (recruitment) among social wasps does not rule out the possibility of information transfer and coordinated foraging among nestmates. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) shows nest-based information transfer and foraging activation: an increase in the probability of an individual leaving the nest as a result of information about resources received from successful foragers. We controlled for the possibility of local enhancement, chemical trails at the food source and climatic variation. We found evidence that food choice and discovery of resources in the field by naive foragers were assisted by information previously or simultaneously provided by experienced nestmates. This information was related to chemical cues associated with the food and possibly to its location. Our observations suggest piloting between common wasp foragers. At the trained nest, there was a change in foraging effort at the colony level when known resources were available. Reactivated, experienced foragers were the main group responsible for the increase in foraging traffic rate observed at the colony level. To our knowledge, this is the first study clearly demonstrating nest-based information transfer about food resources in V. vulgaris and one of the few providing evidence of foraging activation in social wasps. Our data are consistent with the possibility of recruitment in this group of social insects.