We would be delighted to see you at the University of Lausanne, in July, at the IUSSI congress, to discuss the Rapid Development of Chemical Signature in Invasive Hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax

Quick, I want to have the colonial odour: Rapid acquisition of the chemical signature in the invasive hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax. Poster : Haouzi Mélissa, Cheng Yanan, Berville Laurence, Lucas Christophe, Tan Ken, Darrouzet Eric.

https://wp.unil.ch/iussi-europe-2024/

In eusocial insects, distinguishing intruders from members of the same species is crucial for their social structure. This ability relies on recognizing various chemical signals, with cuticular hydrocarbons playing a significant role in forming the colony's unique scent. This study examines how the cuticular profiles of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax change over time and compares them with those of nestmates and nest materials. The findings indicate that newly emerged hornets have distinct chemical signatures, differing from both their nestmates and the nest materials. Additionally, their signature undergoes rapid changes within the first two days, aligning more closely with older nestmates' profiles. Interestingly, laboratory conditions show that the presence of nestmates or nest materials doesn't significantly affect the cuticular profiles of newly emerged hornets. Overall, this study highlights the dynamic nature of Vespa v. nigrithorax's chemical signature, primarily influenced by intrinsic factors.