SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF LEPTOTHORAX ACERVORUM FROM ALASKA (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Abstract

Colonies of the holartic ant Leptothorax (s. str.) acervorum from Alaskan shrub tundra habitats are facultatively polygynous; however, aggression among female reproductives occurs and might occassionally lead to functional monogyny. High-ranking gynes are highly mobile and initiate attacks randomly, without having exact knowledge on the indentify of the opponent, but recognition of individual or rank specific characteristics appears to be involved in the continuation of assaults.