ABSTRACT
Multiple primary queens within termite colonies have been found in a relatively few genera, all within the phylogenetically advanced family Termitidae. Inseminated, fertile females are expected to seek propagation of their own genes; whereas queens in polygynous associations contribute to a single effort and often succeed, at best, in only sharing in the reproductive output. Intra-group competition is expected in light of individual selection, but it is to all queens' advantage to delay intense competition until after mutualistic benefits. If termite queens are sisters, and further, if the king is their brother, variance in relatedness among offspring decreases substantially. Therefore, in comparison with Hymenoptera, this reasoning predicts a smaller premium on the ability of polygynous termite colony members to discriminate sibs, and a concommitant decrease in "conflict of interest" within the colony.
