Not everything that counts can be counted: ants use multiple metrics for a single nest trait.
There are claims in the literature that certain insects can count. We question the generality of these claims and suggest that summation rather than counting (sensu stricto) is a more likely explanation. We show that Temnothorax albipennis ant colonies can discriminate between potential nest sites with different numbers of entrances. However, our experiments suggest that the ants use ambient light levels within the nest cavity to assess the abundance of nest entrances rather than counting per se. Intriguingly, Weber's Law cannot explain the ants' inaccuracy. The ants also use a second metric, independent of light, to assess and discriminate against wide entrances. Thus, these ants use at least two metrics to evaluate one nest trait: the configuration of the portals to their potential homes.
School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK. nigel.franks@bristol.ac.uk
Nigel R
NR
Franks
Anna
A
Dornhaus
Bonnie G
BG
Metherell
Toby R
TR
Nelson
Sophie A J
SA
Lanfear
William S
WS
Symes
D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D008027:Light; D009425:Nesting Behavior / Q000502:physiology*