Worker demography in the ant Formica neorufibarbis

Abstract. 1. Patterns of worker demography in the ant Formica neorufibarbis were documented under natural conditions.
2. Some workers lived at least 4 years.
3. In 4 of 5 years, colonies were more likely to retain older workers than new workers.
4. Workers persisted for more years in colonies lacking queens than in queenright colonies.