Systematics of Polistes (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), with a phylogenetic consideration of Hamilton’s haplodiploidy hypothesis

A review of previously published cladistic analyses of Polistes is presented. The two most recent analyses of Polistes are shown to be largely consistent phylogenetically. Although the taxonomy implied by each differs, this difference is shown to be mostly due to taxon sampling. After the review, a phylogenetic analysis of Polistes — the most data-rich yet undertaken — is presented. The analysis includes new data and the data from previously published analyses. The differing conclusions of the previous studies are discussed in light of the new analysis. After discussing the status of subgeneric taxonomy in Polistes, the new phylogeny is used to test an important hypothesis regarding the origin of social behavior: the haplodiploidy hypothesis of Hamilton.