Abstract
Queens of obligatory socially parasitic ants are unable to found colonies independently and typically initiate new colonies by invading host-species nests and usurping the role of reproductive. In some cases, fission ("budding") of parasite colonies also occurs. This study is the first to investigate colony foundation in the obligatory slave-making ant Harpagoxenus canadensis M. R. Smith. Laboratory experiments examined whether colonies could be founded (i) independently by a parasite queen, (ii) jointly by a parasite queen and a host queen, (iii) by budding, and (iv) by usurpation. Parallel experiments using host-species queens (Leptothorax sp.) were conducted for independent colony foundation and joint colony foundation by two conspecific queens. The results indicate that parasite queens found colonies by usurpation. Parasites invaded host nests using either an "active" aggressive strategy or a relatively less aggressive "passive" strategy, obtained host brood, and were occasionally adopted by a large portion of the host colonies' adults. Host-species queens successfully founded colonies both independently and jointly.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
