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Polymorphism and polyethism in the neotropical antCephalotes Atratus (L.)

Polymorphisme et polyéthisme chez la fourmi Cephalotes atratus (L.)

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Summary

Cephalotes atratus, the “giant turtle ant” of the Neotropical tribe Cephalotini, exhibits an intermediate stage in the evolution of polymorphism. The allometric growth line is straight, but the distribution of worker sizes is bimodal. An ethogram of workers in laboratory nests showed pronounced differences in behavior according to age. Under natural conditions, individual foraging specializations based on worker size were also found. Compared to other advanced cephalotines, this species appears to be less strongly adapted for arboreal life. A model is presented for the evolution of polymorphism in ants.

Resume

Cephalotes atratus, la «Fourmi-tortue géante», de la tribu néotropicale des Cephalotini, apparaît comme un stade intermédiaire dans l'évolution du polymorphisme social. La ligne de croissance allométrique est droite, mais la distribution des tailles des ouvrières est bimodale. Un éthogramme des ouvrières dans des nids artificiels montre des différences de comportement prononcées en fonction de l'âge. Dans les conditions naturelles, on observe aussi des spécialisations du comportement individuel d'approvisionnement, en rapport avec la taille des ouvrières. Comparée à d'autres Céphalotines évoluées, cette espèce semble moins fortement modifiée dans le sens de la vie arboricole. On présente un modèle d'évolution du polymorphisme chez les Fourmis.

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Author notes

  1. M. L. Corn

    Present address: Dept. of Biology, Middlebury College, 05953, Middlebury, Vermont, U.S.A.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, 02138, Cambridge, Mass., U.S.A.

    M. L. Corn

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  1. M. L. Corn
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Corn, M.L. Polymorphism and polyethism in the neotropical antCephalotes Atratus (L.). Ins. Soc 27, 29–42 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02224519

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02224519

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