Evidences of Batesian Mimicry and Parabiosis in Ants of the Brazilian Savannah

María Cristina Gallego Ropero,Rodrigo Machado Feitosa

doi:10.13102/sociobiology.v61i3.281-285

Abstract

Despite the numerous records of ant-mimicking arthropods, reports of ant species that are mimics among themselves are still rare. In the savannah of central Brazil we found two ant species that are remarkably similar in color pattern and body size, Pseudomyrmex termitarius and Camponotus blandus . Both species are widely distributed in the Neotropical Region, but the cases of mimicry between them are apparently restricted to populations inhabiting nests of the termite Cornitermes cumulans in the Brazilian Cerrado . Field observations and excavation of the termitaries revealed that Camponotus blandus shares nest chambers and foraging trials with P. termitarius, and workers of both species are mutually tolerant. Our observations suggest that the morphological and behavioral similarities between these species represent a Batesian mimicry relationship in which the relatively palatable Camponotus blandus mimics the unpalatable P. termitarius for predator avoidance. The pacific association between the termitophilous colonies of these species may also suggest some level of parabiotic interaction.

Highlights

Mimicry is considered a conspicuous demonstration of Darwinian selection (Fisher 1930) and can incorporate a wide range of sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, vibrational and chemical (Pasteur 1982)
We argue that C. blandus, a member of a normally highly predated genus, mimics an aggressive and venomous ant, P. termitarius, in order to reduce the risk of predation in the open areas of central Brazil
We found workers of the mimic Camponotus blandus sharing the trails of P. termitarius in colonies studied from both study sites, though workers of Camponotus blandus could be seen foraging independently

Summary

Introduction

Mimicry is considered a conspicuous demonstration of Darwinian selection (Fisher 1930) and can incorporate a wide range of sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, vibrational and chemical (Pasteur 1982). Joron & Mallet 1998), social insects are one of the most common “models” of Batesian mimics (Hölldobler &Wilson 1990; McIver & Stonedahl 1993; Cushing 1997; Ceccarelli & Crozier 2006). It occurs because social insects may have strong defense mechanisms that are effective against predators. Batesian mimicry has been suggested in few ant species (Ward 1984; Hölldobler & Wilson 1992; Gobin et al 1998; Merrill & Elgar 2000; Ito et al 2004), despite the vast diversity of arthropods that mimic ants

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Conclusion