A bilateral gynandromorph of Discoelius dufourii (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Zethinae): morphology and mating behaviour

A gynandromorph is an organism combining both female- and male-type tissues. While the vast majority of studies have described morphology gynandromorphs, their sexual behaviours remain under-explored. We studied a predominantly bilateral specimen predatory wasp Discoelius dufourii (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Zethinae) reared from trap-nest. In addition to describing morphology, we explored gynandromorph’s response conspecific female, comparing it with behavioural interactions between normal males females D. phylogenetically related zonalis . For most specific elements, species exhibited greater frequency higher probability occurrences behaviour than did females. However, aggression plopping were prevalent in The gynandromorphic demonstrated activities similar those male, including relatively frequent mate body antennation attempt mount female. approached female less frequently comparison males, not demonstrate substrate jumping, typical male mating behaviour. Based on parameters nest cell, development unfertilized (male) egg was fertilized (female) egg.