Recent behavioural and population genetic divergence of an invasive ant in a novel environment

摘要: Aim  Invasive species frequently exhibit high temporal and spatial variation in abundance. Although ecological aspects undoubtedly affect this variation, genetic factors may also play a part. The invasive unicolonial yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes exhibits considerable abundance throughout its extensive distribution Australia’s Northern Territory, where it was first detected the 1980s. First, we aimed to determine whether A. gracilipes associated with behavioural differentiation of population one or more introductions occurred. Second, investigated genetically behaviourally heterogeneous divergence has occurred since introduction. Location  Tropical monsoonal savanna Arnhem Land, Australia. Methods  Ant abundances were assessed at 13 sites study region. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences microsatellite molecular markers structure, which correlated Behavioural assayed using aggression trials analysed together data investigate divergence. Results  found abundance, no association between structure differences Our analyses suggest that ants Land resulted from single introduction. is not homogeneous, however, as scores varied over both geographic distance. positive relationship distance. Main conclusions  clearly owing invasion by different sources. observed suggestive incipient divergence, be expected time when an enters new environment.