Chemical trail systems,orientation, and territorial interactions in the antLasius neoniger

Foraging and territoriality in the ant Lasius neonigerinvolves a series of trails which channel foragers away from adjacent colonies. Experimental studies suggest that the trails are composed of colony-specific, persistent orientation components of hindgut material that accumulate on trails during foraging. A less durable component of the hindgut trail pheromone regulates recruitment. Foraging directionality and the use of a trail could be modified by experimentally arranging confrontations with conspecifics. The orientation of foragers is mediated by visual as well as chemical cues. Components of the foraging and territorial system of L. neonigerappear to include (1) a network of subnests which change in position seasonally within each polydomous nest; (2) a series of trails emanating from each subnest that adjusts search toward resource patches and away from aggressive, neighboring conspecifics; and (3) trail communication involving an ephemeral component of the hindgut trail pheromone that regulates the organization of cooperative prey retrieval and a more persistent component that serves as an orientation guide.