Micro‐climate correlations and conserved sexual dimorphism of cuticular hydrocarbons in European populations of the jewel wasp <i>Nasonia vitripennis</i>

1. Protection against desiccation and chemical communication are two fundamental functions of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in insects. In the parasitoid jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker), characterised by a cosmopolitan distribution through largely different environments, CHCs function as universally recognised female sex pheromones. However, CHC uniformity basis for sexual recognition may conflict with protection function, expected to display considerable flexibility adaptation environmental conditions. 2. We compared male profiles N. across wide latitudinal gradient Europe correlated their variation climatic factors associated desiccation. Additionally, we tested mate discrimination behaviour between populations detect potential variations attractiveness. 3. Results did not conform general expectation that longer, straight-chain occur higher proportions warmer drier climates. Instead, unexpected correlations intermediate chain-length (C31) were found exclusively females, potentially reflecting life histories sexes vitripennis. 4. Furthermore, no indication population-specific preference, confirming stability attractiveness, likely conveyed profiles. C31 mono- C33 di-methyl-branched alkanes consistently most strongly dimorphism, suggesting role encoding female-specific signalling function. 5. Our study sheds light on how both adaptive conserved attractiveness can be integrated encoded females range Europe.