Facial markings in the hover wasps: quality signals and familiar recognition cues in two species of Stenogastrinae

► We demonstrated that Stenogastrinae wasps use facial marking for visual communication. ► Facial markings are related to reproductive status in Liostenogaster vechti. ► L. vechti facial marking represents a badge of status. ► No correlation was found between facial marking and dominance in L. flavolineata. ► L. flavolineata uses facial markings as visual recognition cues among nestmates.