Queen adoption in colonies of the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
Bioassays were conducted in both laboratory and the field to determine if monogynous colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans (Myrmicinae, Attini) adopt queens from other colonies of the same subspecies. The results suggest that the adoption of fertilized queens is a possible mechanism to explain the occurrence of colonies with multiple queens in this subspecies. Only minor workers were able to discriminate queens from other colonies and were aggressive toward them. Therefore, queen recognition differs among subcastes.
Souza
Danival J
DJ
Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa MG 36570-000, Brasil.
Della Lucia
Terezinha M C
TM
Lima
Eraldo R
ER
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D006927:Hymenoptera; D012919:Social Behavior