Queen pheromones and reproductive division of labor: a meta-analysis

Holman, Luke

Abstract

Our understanding of chemical communication between social insect queens and workers has advanced rapidly in recent years. Several studies have identified chemicals produced by queens and other fertile females that apparently induce sterility in other colony members. However, other experiments produced nonsignificant results, leading some to argue either that earlier reports were mistaken, or that some queen pheromones only work in specific contexts. Here, I review the experimental evidence using meta-analysis, and show that there is near-universal support for the hypothesis that fertility-related chemicals cause sterility regardless of context; studies finding otherwise can be explained most parsimoniously as false negatives. Additionally, queen pheromone experiments that were not performed blind recorded much stronger effect sizes, suggesting bias. I conclude by highlighting several outstanding questions in the field, and by offering recommendations for future studies.

Citation

Holman, L. (2018). Queen pheromones and reproductive division of labor: a meta-analysis. Behavioral Ecology, 29(6), 1199–1209. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ary023

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 26, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Apr 27, 2018
• Publication Date: Apr 27, 2018
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2021
• Journal: Behavioral Ecology
• Print ISSN: 1045-2249
• Electronic ISSN: 1465-7279
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1199–1209
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ary023
• Keywords: Apis mellifera, blind experiments, effect size, eusociality, fertility signals, primer pheromone
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2725953