Species and site differences in Neotropical army ant emigration behaviour |
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| Authors: | SEAN O’DONNELL JOHN LATTKE SCOTT POWELL MICHAEL KASPARI |
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| Affiliation: | 1. 1 Animal Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., 2Museo del Instituto de Zoología Agrícola, Universidad Central Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela, 3School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, U.K. and 4Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.A.;2. Current address: Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, Instituto de Biologia, Campus Umuarama Bloco 2D – sala 28, 38400‐902 Uberlandia MG, Brazil. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract 1. Along with large wingless queens and group foraging raids, periodic colony movements or emigrations are a defining feature of army ant behaviour. Emigrations are important because they regulate spacing among colonies, and provide access to new foraging sites. 2. Raid and emigration activity of army ant communities was measured at four Neotropical sites using a standardised sampling protocol. Sampling of emigration activity was carried out throughout the diel cycle. 3. Both raid and emigration activity occurred throughout the day and night. Emigration activity was highest under cover of darkness, but sites and species differed in the diel timing of emigrations. These site and species differences have implications for the evolution of emigration behaviour, as well as for the community ecology of army ants. |
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| Keywords: | Diel cycle Eciton Ecitoninae Labidus Neivamyrmex Nomamyrmex |
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