Nest Entrances, Spatial Fidelity, and Foraging Patterns in the Red Ant Myrmica rubra: A Field and Theoretical Study.

摘要: The nest architecture of social insects deeply impacts the spatial distribution nestmates their interactions, information exchanges and collective responses. In particular, number entrances can influence interactions taking place beyond boundaries emergence structures like foraging trails. Here, we investigated in field how impacted dynamics Myrmica rubra ant colonies. We located where recruitment occurred towards sugar feeders placed surroundings. nests showed one or multiple entrance(s) aggregated clusters spaced by at least 15 cm. Foragers from colonies with two were distributed more homogeneously among than those cluster. addition, foragers always returned to first discovered feeder demonstrated a high fidelity original entrance. Finally, multi-agent model highlighted that additional delayed mobilisation workers but favoured simultaneous exploitation several sources, which was further enhanced foragers. Multiple seem be way for medium-sized benefit advantages conferred polydomy while avoiding associated costs maintain cohesion.