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Spotting the top male: sexual selection in a lek-mating paper wasp, Polistes dominulus

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are utilized by insects for a variety of physiological and communicative purposes. Social insects have capitalized on the vast potential of CHCs as an information source, using them as signals to regulate social interactions. Currently, only female CHC profiles have been explored, and little is known regarding the CHC profiles of males. Here, using Polistes dominulus paper wasps, I examine the factors associated with individual variation in male cuticular hydrocarbon profiles to explore their potential function. Male CHC profiles correlate with immune function (i.e. encapsulation) and juvenile hormone levels, and to a lesser extent, agonistic ability. Conversely, CHC profiles do not have any association with mating success. Therefore, social insect males may use CHCs to mediate social interactions such as mediating competition on leks, but CHCs are unlikely to function in mate attraction. Further work is required to test for potential signaling roles of male CHCs, as male chemical profiles are as information-rich as female chemical profiles.