International Journal of Comparative Psychology

An evolutionary model for emergence of polygynous foundation in polistine paperwasps is proposed. Adapted from Hamilton's model, the model is based on selection through affinity, a process of genetic assortment. This would involve selective association of founding wasps on the basis of common possession of a behavioural trait. The model, therefore, invokes a form of behavioural screening in a genetically heterogeneous population. The validity of the hypothesis and the nature of the trait concerned are considered in relation to observations on formation of Polistine polygynous associations and between species comparisons.