Male induction and function of workers' excitability during swarming in leaf-cutting ants (Atta and Acromyrmex) (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

Worker excitation in species of Atta and Acromyrmex prior to and during the swarming of reproductives is initiated by secretions from the male mandibular glands. During this phase, workers are highly aggressive, attacking all foreign objects. Field data suggest that this behavior is not only advantageous in protecting sexuals as they swarm, but also to prime workers to execute queens trying to initiate colonies near mature colonies following nuptial flights.