Predation and the evolution of sociality in the paper wasp Polistes bellicosus

Nest predation rates were so high that most colonies had to build new nests at least once during the season. Larger groups of females were more successful at building new nests. There was a per capita advantage in nest success for females in groups as measured 44 d after a predation event; the advantage did not diminish with increasing group size. Reproductive competition among females was dependent on number of females on the nest and the age of females, and not on whether the nest was original or rebuilt. Ovaries developed as females grew older and were more developed in females on nests with greater numbers of females. -from Authors