Nasonia wasp behavior genetics

One of the most important recent advances in the study of the genetic basis of behavior has been the expansion of the number of species available for molecular genetic analysis. This is allowing behavioral geneticists to explore behavior in species beyond classic model systems such as Drosophila. One such model system is the jewel wasp species complex Nasonia. With its parasitic lifestyle, Nasonia displays a rich repertoire of behaviors, including host searching, host choice, reproductive allocation decisions such as sex allocation, and an elaborate courtship and mating display. Many of these behaviors are also important for prezygotic reproductive isolation mechanisms between the four Nasonia species. This repertoire of behaviors is reviewed in the light of traditional genetic analyses (such as mutation screens and quantitative genetic techniques) as well as more recent attempts to explore the genes underlying Nasonia behavior at the molecular level.