Colony behavior of Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the absence of the queen under laboratory conditions.
A colony of Atta sexdens rubropilosa was studied in the presence and absence of the queen. The frequency of 23 previously defined behaviors was quantified in terms of average frequencies of act occurrence. Colony behavioral activities such as foraging, fungal care, and refuse manipulation were not directly influenced by the queen's presence up to 30 days after the queen's death. The queen, which also seems to maintain colony cohesion aside from reproduction, indirectly affected brood care.
Della Lucia
T M.C.
TM
Dept. Biologia Animal Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36571-000, MG, Viçosa, Brazil
Peternelli
E F.O.
EF
Lacerda
F G.
FG
Peternelli
L A.
LA
Moreira
D D.O.
DD