Nest separation and the dynamics of the Gestalt odor in the polydomous ant Cataglyphis iberica (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) |
| |
Authors: | Abdallah Dahbi Alain Lenoir |
| |
Institution: | (1) Laboratoire d'éthologie Expérimentale et Comparée, CNRS 2214, Université Paris Nord, Av. J.-B. Clément, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France, FR;(2) Laboratoire d'éthologie et Pharmacologie du Comportement, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France e-mail: lenoir@univ-tours.fr, Fax: +33 2 47367285, FR |
| |
Abstract: | In the polydomous ant species Cataglyphis iberica, nests belonging to the same colony are completely separated during hibernation. In order to examine whether this separation
induces changes both in the hydrocarbon profile and in recognition ability between adult nestmates, we separated groups of
workers for several months under two different conditions: at hibernation temperature and at room temperature. At room temperature,
recognition remained unchanged but separation led to longer mutual antennations relative to non-separated controls. When half
of a colony was placed under hibernation conditions, antennal interactions also increased in duration and a few aggressive
interactions emerged between separated ants. This aggressiveness never reached the intercolonial level observed in this species.
In both cases, the hydrocarbon profiles showed differences between individuals after separation while remaining homogeneous
within each nest. This chemical modification may induce the longer antennations observed. After separated groups were reunited,
individuals recovered their previous antennation pattern and a convergence in hydrocarbon profiles was again observed. These
concurrent observations suggest that hydrocarbons are transferred between nestmates. In C. iberica, the formation of the colonial odor seems to follow the “Gestalt” model which allows all satellite nests of a colony to have a common colonial odor. In the field, temporary nest isolation
during hibernation may induce divergence between satellites. The role of adult transport in connecting nests during the active
season to obtain an efficient Gestalt odor is discussed.
Received: 16 June 1997 / Accepted after revision: 25 October 1997 |
| |
Keywords: | Cataglyphis “ Gestalt” odor Postpharyngeal gland Hydrocarbons Polydomy |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|