ISSN:
1420-9098
Keywords:
Ponerinae
;
Odontomachus polygyny
;
queen
;
reproduction
;
polyethism
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Colony composition and behavior of queens in the ponerine antOdontomachus rixosus were investigated in Bogor (West Java) and Ulu Gombak (Penisular Malaysia). The colonies had multiple dealate queens, with a maximum of 82 queens per colony. Majority of queens (92.4%) were inseminated and laid eggs, however, the degree of ovarian development slightly varied among individual queens. Queen behavior was observed for one colony in laboratory. Reproductive condition of individual queens was related with behavioral profiles. Virgin queens and mated queens having less developed ovaries engaged in foraging, larval care and grooming workers while fertile mated queens performed egg care and grooming queens. Aggressive interactions among coexisting queens were not observed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01253958
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