Abstract
In Oecophylla, an ant genus comprising two territorially dominant arboreal species, workers are known to (1) use anal spots to mark their territories, (2) drag their gaster along the substrate to deposit short-range recruitment trails, and (3) drag the extruded rectal gland along the substrate to deposit the trails used in long-range recruitment. Here we study an overlooked but important marking behavior in which O. longinoda workers first rub the underside of their mandibles onto the substrate, and then—in a surprising posture—tilt their head and also rub the upper side of their mandibles. We demonstrate that this behavior is used to recruit nestmates. Its frequency varies with the rate at which a new territory, a sugary food source, a prey item, or an alien ant are discovered. Microscopy analyses showed that both the upper side and the underside of the mandibles possess pores linked to secretory glands. So, by rubbing their mandibles onto the substrate, the workers probably spread a secretion from these glands that is involved in nestmate recruitment.
Highlights
The canopies of tropical forests and tree crop plantations are occupied by ‘‘territorially-dominant’’ arboreal ant species that defend absolute spatial territories, usually from colonies of other dominant species, including conspecifics [1,2]
We have demonstrated that the discovery of a new territory, a sugary food source, a prey or an alien ant triggers a peculiar behavior in Oecophylla workers that first rub the underside of their mandibles onto the substrate, and tilt their head to rub the upper side as well
This behavior complements other, alreadyknown marking behaviors in Oecophylla workers such as (1) using anal spots containing a territorial pheromone as territorial markers, (2) dragging the gaster so that the sternal gland openings come into contact with the substrate so as to deposit short-range recruitment trails, and (3) dragging the extruded rectal gland onto the substrate to deposit the trails used in long-range recruitment to food, new territory or enemies [4]
Summary
The canopies of tropical forests and tree crop plantations are occupied by ‘‘territorially-dominant’’ arboreal ant species that defend absolute spatial territories, usually from colonies of other dominant species, including conspecifics [1,2]. Oecophylla landmarks are visible, brownish anal spots containing true territorial pheromones that delimit their territories from those of neighboring colonies [3,4,5]. These landmarks are persistent, lasting for more than a year [6,7], and are recognized by other ants that adapt their behavior so as to avoid encountering the occupying ants [8]; fighting only occurs when growing colonies expand their territories past these landmarks [2]. Oecophylla marks are perceived and used as kairomones by Lycaenid caterpillars [9]
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