A behavioral repertoire of Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) queens during the claustral founding and ergonomic stages.

摘要: Founding queens are central to the survival and maintenance of social insect colonies but often ignored in studies insects. We expect behaviors performed by a newly-mated ant queen be critical colony what these how do they change over time as grow? The aim this work was describe compare behavioral repertoire newly mated Atta sexdens during both founding ergonomic stages. Using Focal Animal Sampling method, 42 acts were identified grouped into seven categories, according their probable biological function. most frequent those related selfgrooming, indicating potential vulnerability parasites at early stage. Contrary previous reports, A. feed on fungus garden when new colonies, that, although not exogenous, fungal staphylae, together with trophic eggs, supply ready energy source need repertoires that died observational period compared survived. Before dying, made almost exclusively stereotyped behaviors, showing no apparent Queens exhibited lower frequencies selfgrooming did ingest any while laying more eggs than Our results indicate may key behavior for succeed absence worker labor. Further, reported can serve foundation future important phase life