Behavioural plasticity in ectatomma ruidum roger (Hymenoptera, ponerinae), in a homospecific interactive situation
A laboratory study of interaction between homospecific colonies of the ant Ectatomma ruidum Roger is reported. Different colonies of this neotropical ponerine can share a restricted space without giving rise to serious conflict. During interaction intrusions of alien workers in homospecific nests were examined and a new phenomenon was also observed: the kidnapping of callow workers and brood by workers belonging to alien colonies. According to their characteristical patterns, we considered kidnapping to be a primitive form of intraspecific slavery, originating from interactive situation in high density population.
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Texto biblioteca |
Language: | eng |
Subjects: | Ectatomma ruidum, Hormigas ponerinas, Cleptobiosis, Densidad de población, Comportamiento de los insectos, Ecología animal, |
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Summary: | A laboratory study of interaction between homospecific colonies of the ant Ectatomma ruidum Roger is reported. Different colonies of this neotropical ponerine can share a restricted space without giving rise to serious conflict. During interaction intrusions of alien workers in homospecific nests were examined and a new phenomenon was also observed: the kidnapping of callow workers and brood by workers belonging to alien colonies. According to their characteristical patterns, we considered kidnapping to be a primitive form of intraspecific slavery, originating from interactive situation in high density population. |
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