Notes on the biology of Protanilla sp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) collected in Ulu Gombak, Peninsular Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2022
Abstract
A colony of Protanilla sp. was collected from the floor of a selectively logged forest in Ulu Gombak, Peninsular Malaysia, in March 2011. The colony contained 17 ergatoid queens and 25 workers. The ergatoid queens had 6-10 ovarioles per individual with a sperm-filled spermatheca while workers had two ovarioles and a vestigial spermatheca. In the laboratory, foraging workers responded to Occasjapyx sp. (Japygidae) only; larvae, workers, and ergatoid queens fed on this prey. Ergatoid queens frequently showed larval and egg care, and transported larvae when the nest was disturbed. Compared to Leptanilla, morphological and behavioral specialization of both castes in Protanilla sp. does not seem developed.
Keywords
Behavioral characteristics, Caste specialization, Ergatoid queen, Japygidae
Divisions
Science
Funders
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [Grant No:24405010],Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [Grant No:18K06421],Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) [Grant No:18K06421]
Publication Title
Insectes Sociaux
Volume
69
Issue
1
Publisher Location
PICASSOPLATZ 4, BASEL, 4052, SWITZERLAND