Tests of four hypotheses on soldier production,by using wild colonies ofPheidole fervida F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) |
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Authors: | Fuminori Ito Seigo Higashi |
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Institution: | 1. Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 060, Sapporo, Japan
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Abstract: | Following four hypotheses on the production of soldiers were tested in the Pheidole fervida colonies collected in the natural field: - The proportion of new soldiers is primarily dependent on the population size of old workers.
- The abundance of old soldiers reduces the proportion of new soldiers.
- The production of sexuals reduces the proportion of new soldiers.
- The number of soldiers is correlated with the size of defense zone.
The present test suggested that the last idea was most likely to the wild colonies of P. fervida. |
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Keywords: | Maki Natural Field Kaempferi Nest Defense Nuptial Flight |
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