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Braz J Biol

Title:		"Queen influence on workers behavior of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Forel, 1908)"
Author(s):		Sousa-Souto L; Souza DJ;
Address:		"Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Vicosa, MG, 36570-000, Brazil. leanrosouto@insecta.ufv.br"
Journal Title:		Braz J Biol
Year:		2006
Volume:		66
Issue:		2A
Page Number:		503 - 508
DOI:		10.1590/s1519-69842006000300016
ISSN/ISBN:		1519-6984 (Print) 1519-6984 (Linking)
Abstract:		"In an ant colony, the queen is the single reproducer and can interact with her workers via pheromones and cuticular compounds. However, in most species queen importance is not restricted to reproduction: in the initial development of the colony, her presence might play a more important role. In this work, we studied the effects of queen absence on workers behavior displayed in the foraging arena. Ants mortality and refuse accumulation was also measured daily. The results showed that queen absence did not alter either workers behavior or foraging efficiency. However, we observed increased ant mortality accompanied by a decrease in refuse dumping outside the nest. These results corroborate the hypothesis that environmental factors are more important than intrinsical factors in the allocation of external tasks. Probably, the queen could only influence internal activities of the colony"
Keywords:		"Analysis of Variance Animals Ants/*physiology Behavior, Animal/physiology Female *Social Behavior;"
Notes:		"MedlineSousa-Souto, L Souza, D J eng Comparative Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Brazil 2006/07/25 Braz J Biol. 2006 May; 66(2A):503-8. doi: 10.1590/s1519-69842006000300016"