SPATIAL VARIATION OF THE AGGRESSIVE RESPONSE TOWARDS CONSPECIFICS IN THE ANT CREMATOGASTER SCUTELLARIS

摘要: In this study we investigated the relationship between spatial distance and intraspecific aggression in Mediterranean tree-nesting ant Crematogaster scutellaris. Aggression tests were carried out field confronting group of workers (20 from each nest) collected pairs nests located at increasing distances one other (5, 10, 20, 40 80 meters). For distance, 6 replicate tests, using different nests, out. The probability time first aggressive event recorded modelled as a function two generalised linear models. Results showed that both attack correlated to complex way, having their maximum intermediate nests. observed cannot be simply interpreted according “dear enemy” or “nasty neighbour” effects contains elements favour both.