Leaf-cutter ant species (Hymenoptera: Atta) differ in the types of cues used to differentiate between self and others

摘要: Nestmate recognition among most social insects is thought to be mediated by cuticular hydrocarbons. We found that two closely related ant species, the chemical cues used for vary between them and they are not Experiments with free-living colonies of Atta laevigata cephalotes using live dead dummies, some impregnated glandular extracts, allowed us reconstruct which A. differentiates itself from workers. The results suggest same odour (chemicals alarm pheromones abdominal exocrine secretions) both inter- intraspecific systems, achieving discrimination self (i.e. a nestmate) others, species differ in nature recognition. Our mechanisms ants, may thus other insects, shaped various evolutionary forces addition kin selection.