Raiding behavior of the dulotic antChalepoxenus muellerianus (Finzi) in the field (Hymenoptera: Formicidae,Myrmicinae)

Summary Little information is available regarding the raiding behavior in nature of dulotic ants belonging to the tribeLeptothoracini. Between July 17 and 24, 1991, several raids ofChalepoxenus muellerianus (Finzi) were observed in nature near Tignale/Lago di Garda, Italy. Apparently, this species raids frequently during its summer raiding season (5 raids were observed during 7 days spent observing 8 colonies). A singleChalepoxenus colony sometimes raids more than one host colony more or less simultaneously. Observations during which oneChalepoxenus colony raided another and captured slavemaker brood indicate that intraspecific raids can occur either accidentally, or as a result of competition or territoriality when there is a sufficient dense slavemaker population.