[Microrespirometric studies of seasonal variations on the oxygen consumption of the worker ants Dolichoderus quadripunctatus].
We have studied the variations of oxygen consumption of solitary workers, and grouping workers (10 and 20) of the ant Dolichoderus quadripunctatus in function of time, at constant temperature (25 degrees C). We have studied hibernating and active workers (summer activity). Our results shows that the oxygen consumption of summer workers, increase directly and regularly in function of time and social number. Hibernating workers shows a significant decrease in the level of respiratory rate when the ants are grouping (10--20 workers). Finally, we showed a strong grouping effect reducing the oxygen consumption of hibernating populations of the ant Dolichoderus quadripunctatus.
D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants / Q000502:physiology*; D001143:Arousal; D001683:Biological Clocks; D005260:Female; D006605:Hibernation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012621:Seasons
Etude microrespirométrique des variations saisonnières de la consommation d'oxygène des ouvrières  de la fourmi Dolichoderus quadripunctatus.