Skip to main content
Log in

Variation of ommatidia number as a function of worker size inCamponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

  • Short Communication
  • Published:
Insectes Sociaux Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The relation of worker size to ommatidia number was examined in the polymorphic antCamponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer). Linear regression described this relationship as:Y = 260.9 + 113.6×; whereYis ommatidia number andX is head width. A log-log regression described this relationship as:Y = 323.5 + 286.9*logX(r 2 = 0.98). This analysis indicated an allometric relation of ommatidia number to head width, where ommatidia numbers increase at a slower rate than head width. This relationship is discussed in terms of ethotypes associated with worker morphotypes, and the possible mechanisms regulating polymorphic development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  • Bernstein, S. and R. A. Bernstein, 1969. Relationships between foraging efficiency and the size of the head and component brain and sensory structures in the red wood ant.Brain Res. 16:85–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, S. and C. Finn, 1971. Ant compound eye: size-related ommatidium differences within a single wood ant nest.Experientia 27:708–710.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, H. G., 1984. Colony-level regulation of forager caste ratios in response to caste perturbations in the carpenter ant,Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).Ins. Soc. 31:461–472.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, H. G., 1985. Alloethism in the carpenter ant,Camponotus pennsylvanicus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).Entomol. Gener. 11:69–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, H. G., 1986. Polymorphism and colony ontogeny in North American carpenter ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae:Camponotus pennsylvanicus and Camponotus ferrugineus).Zool. Jb. Physiol. 90:297–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menzel, R. and R. Wehner, 1970 Augenstrukturen bei verschiedengroβen Arbeiterinnen vonCataglyphis bicolor Fabr. (Formicidae, Hymenoptera).Z. vergl. Physiol. 68:446–449.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ribi, W. A., 1978. A unique hymenopteran compound eye. The retina fine structure of the digger waspSphex cognatus Smith (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae).Zool. Jb. Anat. 100:299–342.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wehner, R. and R. Menzel, 1969. Homing in the antCataglyphis bicolor.Science 164:192–194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, D. E., 1990. The developmental basis of worker polymorphism in fire ants.J. Insect Physiol. 36:315–322.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Klotz, J.H., Reid, B.L. & Gordon, W.C. Variation of ommatidia number as a function of worker size inCamponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Ins. Soc 39, 233–236 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01249297

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01249297

Key words

Navigation