Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Phenotypic Plasticity of Nest-Mate Recognition Cues in Formica exsecta Ants.

Martin, Stephen J.; Drijfhout, Falko P.; Hart, Adam G.

Phenotypic Plasticity of Nest-Mate Recognition Cues in Formica exsecta Ants. Thumbnail


Authors

Stephen J. Martin

Adam G. Hart



Abstract

It is well established that many ant species have evolved qualitatively distinct species-specific chemical profile that are stable over large geographical distances. Within these species profiles quantitative variations in the chemical profile allows distinct colony-specific odours to arise (chemotypes) that are shared by all colony members. This help maintains social cohesion, including defence of their colonies against all intruders, including con-specifics. How these colony -level chemotypes are maintained among nest-mates has long been debated. The two main theories are; each ant is able to biochemically adjust its chemical profile to 'match' that of its nest-mates and or the queen, or all nest-mates share their individually generated chemical profile via trophollaxis resulting in an average nest-mate profile. This 'mixing' idea is better known as the Gestalt model. Unfortunately, it has been very difficult to experimentally test these two ideas in a single experimental design. However, it is now possible using the ant Formica exsecta because the compounds used in nest-mate recognition compounds are known. We demonstrate that workers adjust their profile to 'match' the dominant chemical profile within that colony, hence maintaining the colony-specific chemotype and indicates that a 'gestalt' mechanism, i.e. profile mixing, plays no or only a minor role.

Acceptance Date Aug 22, 2019
Publication Date Sep 2, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of Chemical Ecology
Print ISSN 0098-0331
Publisher Springer Verlag
Pages 735 -740
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-019-01103-2
Keywords chemical plasticity, chemotypes, Gestalt model, Phenotypic variation, Chemistry
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-019-01103-2

Files




You might also like



Downloadable Citations