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| Multi-layer interactions in Paper wasps are linked with nest success and social intelligence |
| Emily C. Laub1, Elizabeth Tibbetts2, Noa Pinter-Wollman1. 1University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; 2University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States |
Animals live in a dynamic social environment, and the value of social interactions may change across time and social context. However, when animals adjust social connections, what attributes might influence connectedness, and if differences in social position across contexts have consequences for success is less understood. We examine how the social position of wasps in two different social contexts and an integrated social position that links both contexts using a multilayer social network changes over time, is impacted by a measure of social intelligence and affects reproductive success. We compare interactions across three phases of social group formation. As the season progressed, wasps pruned their social networks, decreasing interactions as social groups formed. Wasps that interacted more when sampling partners wer more likely to form nests, which would result in higher reproductive output. Wasps that are more socially intelligent interacted more when cooperation with nest-mates is most important.��These results demonstrate that wasps adjust social contacts to match context and individuals who adjust contacts appropriately across contexts receive a fitness benefit. |