Social Life in Arid Environments: The Case Study of Cataglyphis Ants

摘要: Unlike most desert-dwelling animals, Cataglyphis ants do not attempt to escape the heat; rather, they apply their impressive heat tolerance avoid competitors and predators. This thermally defined niche has promoted a range of adaptations both at individual colony levels. We have also recently discovered that within genus there are incredibly diverse social systems, modes reproduction, dispersal, prompting tantalizing question whether diversity may be consequence harsh environment which we find these charismatic ants. Here review recent advances regarding physiological, behavioral, life-history, colony, ecological characteristics consider perspectives on future research will build our understanding organic adaptive responses desertification.