Patrones diarios de actividad de la hormiga Azteca constructor (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) y su relación con la presencia de alimento
Ant activity shows rhythmic variations that suggest a chrono-biological integrated system or a daily rhythm synchronized with the Earth’s geophysical variations. Previous studies have shown that the activity of ant colonies can vary between seasons and along the day, which in some cases relates to food supply. We recorded the daily activity of Azteca constructor in the field and the laboratory and found no correlation with the presence of Müllerian food bodies. Captive colonies increased their activity around midday, suggesting a daily cycle. Müllerian body production increased with increasing ant activity. The relationship between Pseudococcidae and Azteca ants made us doubt the benefits received by the plant in its relationship with Azteca. Finally, the activity of colonies in the field varied widely, suggesting that several environmental factors influence ant activity. KEY WORDSPseudococcidae, Müllerian bodies, trichilium, daily rhythm, photoperiod
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Costa Rica
2013
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.uned.ac.cr/index.php/cuadernos/article/view/269 |
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| Summary: | Ant activity shows rhythmic variations that suggest a chrono-biological integrated system or a daily rhythm synchronized with the Earth’s geophysical variations. Previous studies have shown that the activity of ant colonies can vary between seasons and along the day, which in some cases relates to food supply. We recorded the daily activity of Azteca constructor in the field and the laboratory and found no correlation with the presence of Müllerian food bodies. Captive colonies increased their activity around midday, suggesting a daily cycle. Müllerian body production increased with increasing ant activity. The relationship between Pseudococcidae and Azteca ants made us doubt the benefits received by the plant in its relationship with Azteca. Finally, the activity of colonies in the field varied widely, suggesting that several environmental factors influence ant activity. KEY WORDSPseudococcidae, Müllerian bodies, trichilium, daily rhythm, photoperiod |
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