Polistes semenowi

Description

Polistes semenowi is a kleptoparasitic paper wasp that is found in several regions of high altitude in Europe. As one of only three obligate parasites in the genus Polistes, it uses the nests of other paper wasps (primarily Polistes dominula) to rear its young. To evade detection by the host nest, P. semenowi employs mimicry by adjusting its cuticular hydrocarbons to match those of the host. Once the host nest has been infiltrated, the parasitic female physically attacks the host queen to subdue her and become the colony's new queen. P. semenowi displays several morphological adaptations for parasitism such as increased mandible size and an enlarged Van der Vecht's organ. This species is unusual because it does not have the ability to produce workers and is only able to produce individuals who have the capacity to reproduce..