Chemotactile perception and associative learning of amino acids in yellowjacket workers- Data set

Learning and memory are fundamental processes, influencing animal foraging behaviour and fitness success. Evaluating food nutritional quality, particularly of proteins and essential amino acids, involves complex sensory mechanisms. While olfactory cues have been extensively studied, less is known about proteinaceous chemoreception, especially in invertebrates. <i>Vespula germanica</i>, a globally invasive social wasp species, relies heavily on foraging efficiency and nutritional assessment for colony success. Previous studies have highlighted their associative learning abilities in natural settings, but their cognitive capabilities under laboratory conditions still need to be explored. We investigated the perceptual and learning abilities of <i>V. germanica</i> concerning amino acids using a maxilla-labium extension response (MaLER) conditioning protocol. We aimed to determine whether these wasps can (1) perceive specific amino acids through antennal chemoreception, (2) perform associative learning with amino acids, (3) discriminate between stimuli of varying molecular and nutritional profiles, and (4) generalize among similar stimuli. Our results suggest that <i>V. germanica</i> can detect free amino acids and exhibit associative learning toward them. They can discriminate between amino acids with different profiles and do not generalize among similar compounds. These findings indicate that <i>V. germanica</i> foragers can qualitatively evaluate amino acid solutions, translating into a natural ability to discern and learn from food sources with varying nutritional qualities. This knowledge could enhance management strategies for this invasive species, which relies on poisoned beef-based baits. Understanding the sensory and cognitive capabilities of <i>V. germanica</i> provides a foundation for developing more effective control methods.

学习与记忆是核心生命过程，对动物的觅食行为与繁殖适合度具有关键调控作用。评估食物的营养品质，尤其是蛋白质与必需氨基酸的含量，依赖于一套复杂的感官识别机制。尽管学界已对嗅觉线索开展了大量研究，但针对蛋白质类化学感受的相关认知仍较为匮乏，在无脊椎动物类群中更是如此。德国黄胡蜂（*Vespula germanica*）作为一种全球性入侵性社会性胡蜂物种，其种群存续高度依赖高效的觅食行为与精准的营养评估能力。既往研究已证实该物种在自然环境中的联想学习能力，但实验室环境下的认知功能仍有待探索。本研究采用下颚-下唇伸反射（maxilla-labium extension response, MaLER）条件化实验范式，探究德国黄胡蜂对氨基酸的感知与学习能力。本研究旨在明确该胡蜂是否能够：（1）通过触角化学感受识别特定氨基酸；（2）建立针对氨基酸的联想学习；（3）区分分子特征与营养属性存在差异的刺激物；（4）对相似刺激物产生泛化反应。研究结果表明，德国黄胡蜂能够检测游离氨基酸，并对其产生联想学习行为；该物种可区分营养属性与分子特征各异的氨基酸，且不会对相似化合物产生泛化反应。上述结果说明，德国黄胡蜂的觅食个体能够对氨基酸溶液进行定性评估，这对应了其在自然环境中甄别并利用不同营养品质食物的本能能力。该研究结论可助力优化这类依赖毒杀牛肉诱饵的入侵物种的防控策略。深入解析德国黄胡蜂的感官与认知功能，可为开发更高效的防控手段奠定理论基础。