MI and PA Polistes fuscatus face learning
Data files
Nov 14, 2023 version files 2.48 KB
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CR_posted_MI_PA_on_both_face_types.csv
1.36 KB
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README.md
1.12 KB
Abstract
We test how plasticity contributes to geographic variation in individual face recognition in Polistes fuscatus wasps. Previous work has shown that Polistes fuscatus from Michigan, USA (MI) have variable facial patterns used for individual recognition, while Polistes fuscatus from central Pennsylvania, USA (PA) lack variable facial patterns and are unable to learn individual conspecifics. We experimentally altered rearing environment, so wasps were either reared with their own population or in a common garden with wasps from both populations. Then, we tested the wasps’ capacity to learn and remember individual conspecific faces.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.b8gtht7k9
Wasps from MI, USA and PA, USA were reared in three treatment groups: T1) MI with MI, 2) PA with PA, 3) PA and MI together (common garden, 2 PA and 2 MI). Then, wasps were trained to discriminate between pairs of conspecific face images taken from either MI or PA.
Description of the data and file structure
There is one CSV file with information about the training results. The columns are individual wasp ID, nest the wasp emerged from, the population the wasp originated from (categorical: MI or PA), whether the wasp was trained to differentiate MI or PA faces (categorical: MI or PA), the number of correct choices (out of 10), and the number of incorrect choices (out of 10).
Sharing/Access information
This is a section for linking to other ways to access the data, and for linking to sources the data is derived from, if any.
Links to other publicly accessible locations of the data:
- The data are also available as supplemental material associated with the manuscript.
Polistes fuscatus wasps were collected from the area surrounding Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI) (42°17′59″N, 83°39′46″W) and Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania (PA) (40°38′13″N, 78°4′29″W) in early-late June 2019 and 2020.
When a newly emerged worker was found on a nest, she was removed and painted with an individually identifying color code. Then, wasps were placed into a new enclosure of 4 newly emerged wasps with ad lib sugar and water. There were three treatment groups: 1) MI with MI, 2) PA with PA, and 3) PA and MI together (common garden, 2 PA and 2 MI). Wasps were housed with their treatment groups for 7 to 10 days. Then, wasps were trained to differentiate pairs of conspecific face images. Scores reflect learning accuracy (out of 10).