Abstract
Existing models of the evolution of worker-like morphology in queen ants postulate that the condition arose as a by-product of assisted colony foundation. Under laboratory conditions, two lone, ergatoid queens of Plectroctena mandibularis were able to raise broods to at least the pupal stage without the assistance of other ants. Although these results need to be confirmed under field conditions, they indicate the possibility of a different, additional evolutionary pathway to wingless, worker-like queens in this species. Several possible pathways are discussed.
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