Colony growth in Myrmica rubra with supplementation of myrmecochorous seeds

Abstract

Myrmecochory is an important ant–plant relationship, which presumably has benefits for the reproductive success of ant colonies through the nutritional value of elaiosomes. In a feeding experiment, we provided elaiosomes of Scilla bifolia and Corydalis cava to colonies of Myrmica rubra. Seeds were transported by ant workers to their nests and the elaiosomes were removed afterwards. After 3 months, elaiosome-supplemented colonies contained significantly more worker pupae than control colonies, whereas the number of new female sexuals was reduced. This result is discussed as a possible long-term benefit for M. rubra colonies through myrmecochory by colony growth.