Supercolonies, nests, and societies: distinguishing the forests from the trees

摘要: Moffett (this issue) defines supercolony as ‘‘a colony with a capacity to grow without bounds.’’ By this and many past definitions, even founding group of Argentine ant queens is ‘‘supercolony,’’ but the word used in practice only when colonies reach an exceptional size. Three commentators did not like suggestion employ after such populations over million individuals— admittedly arbitrary number. Still, no particular size has previously been specified, growth continuous seems follow same rules at every stage: I emphasize (Moffett, issue), use Pedersen’s phrase there ‘‘no tipping point’’ which ‘‘becomes’’ supercolony. Thus, always applied arbitrarily. Some experts describe Argentina’s smaller supercolonies,forinstance,whereasothers pointedlydo not.I suggested minimum about ants (‘‘well million’’ better wording: see glossary Moffett, because that largest population for species supercolonies, whether monodomous or polydomous—one interpretation ‘‘exceptionally large.’’ The intent provide guideline usage, require precise count ants. ‘‘Supercolony’’ can course continue be used, just arbitrarily inconsistently, any very large colony, albeit if it shows defining character, which, again, colony’s boundless under suitable conditions. First foremost, equivalently society: A social able distinguish reject conspecific outsiders issue). Lester Gordon (both instead characterize (societies) terms ‘‘functionality.’’ This, sharing resources reproduction(i.e.,bynestclumpslocally:Helleretal.2008).Even