Effect of habitat saturation on the number and turnover of queens in the polygynous ant, Myrmica sulcinodis

摘要: In polygynous social insects more than one queen reproduces in a colony. such populations ecological factors affecting survival and reproduction of queens are likely to be prime importance for organization. particular, habitat saturation leading severe limitations the availability nest sites has been suggested promote high number. this study we examine genetic structure colonies ant Myrmica sulcinodis. We investigated single breeding population two adjacent habitats which differed markedly sites. main M. sulcinodis occupied almost all suitable sites, whereas other (marginal) most were unoccupied by ants, due recent fire. support hypothesis, number per colony could explain estimated relatedness among workers was five times higher marginal habitat. This is first demonstration that kin insect plastic responds adaptively short-term changes constraints as site availability. Based on combined demographic data discuss reproductive strategies suggest special class ‘floaters’ only stays ephemerally colonies, thus causing substantial turnover reproducing across years.