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Article Dans Une Revue Journal of Insect Science Année : 2009

Hybienic behavior, liquid-foraging, and trophallaxis in the leafcutting ants, Acromyrmex subterraneus and Acromyrmex

Résumé

Neotropical leaf-cutting ants (tribe Attini) live in obligate symbiosis with fungus they culture for food. To protectthemselves and their fungus garden from pathogens, they minimize the entry of microorganisms through mechanicaland chemical means. In this study, focusing on the speciesAcromyrmex subterraneusandA. octospinosus,(Hymeoptera:Formicidae). Self- and allo-grooming behavior were quantified and it was found thatA. octospinosusworkers spend lesstime in self-grooming thanA. subterraneus. In the experimental absence of fungus inA. subterraneus, the times spent in thesetwo behaviors are not affected; however workers spend significantly more time immobile. Hygienic and trophallaxisbehaviors were examined as well as the possibility that workers exchange food, and the grooming behavior of foragingand non-foraging workers were compared. Behavioral observations revealed that large workers spent more timegrooming than small workers, and more than 62% of replete foragers passed collected liquid food via trophallaxis to anestmate. However, trophallaxis was rarely observed between non-forager workers. These results suggest thattrophallaxis permits the exchange of alimentary liquid between colony members, but it is not important for spreadingthe colony odor signature.

Dates et versions

hal-00442950 , version 1 (24-12-2009)

Identifiants

Citer

F.-J. Richard, C. Errard. Hybienic behavior, liquid-foraging, and trophallaxis in the leafcutting ants, Acromyrmex subterraneus and Acromyrmex. Journal of Insect Science, 2009, 9 (63), pp.1-9. ⟨10.1673/031.009.6301⟩. ⟨hal-00442950⟩
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