Genetics of speciation within the Polistes fuscatus species complex

Analysis of isozyme data shows that the Polistes fuscatus varieties variatus, metricus, apachus, and rubiginosis are reproductively isolated from each other. The average genetic identity (I) between P. fuscatus group sibling species was found to be 0.92 with a maximum I of 0.996 between P. variatus and P. metricus. I between structural species was 0.426. Observed heterozygosity values for P. metricus, 0.073, and P. variatus, 0.065, were consistent with the low level of genetic variability in the haplodiploid Hymenoptera reported elsewhere. The results indicate rapid recent speclation in the P. fuscatus species group despite haplodiploidy and low levels of variability.