Showing papers on "Ant colony published in 1988"
TL;DR: Three lines of evidence are presented which each suggest that intraspecific competition has significantly influenced the spacing patterns of Formica altipetens colonies, indicating the existence of a dispersion continuum at the study site.
Abstract: We present three lines of evidence which each suggest that intraspecific competition has significantly influenced the spacing patterns of Formica altipetens colonies. First, nearest-neighbor analysis of nest spacing patterns detected significant uniformity in six of eight plots. Second, there was a signifcant increase in the distance separating nearest neighbors as ant nest diameters increased. Third, ant nest density predicted substantial variation in the colony dispersion index, indicating the existence of a dispersion continuum at our study site.
65 citations
TL;DR: The increase in weight, fat and energy content of queens was studied in Iridomyrmex humilis (Mayr) in relation to the mode of colony founding in ants and the investment in energy required by each mode of colonies founding was discussed.
Abstract: Summary The increase in weight, fat and energy content of queens was studied in Iridomyrmex humilis (Mayr) in relation to the mode of colony founding in ants. The increase in energy content of gynes during the time between emergence and mating reaches only 80% in this species in which queens found colonies with the help of workers (dependent mode), whereas it can reach 470% in species in which queens found colonies without the help of workers (independent mode). These results are discussed with regard to the investment in energy required by each mode of colony founding.
27 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that weaver ants developed an extremely efficient foraging system, expending only a small fraction of their energy intake on foraging.
6 citations