Task allocation and alate production in monogynous, polygynous and orphan colonies of Myrmica kotokui

Abstract

We compared alate production and the behaviour of workers and queens among polygynous, monogynous and orphan colonies of Myrmica kotokui, a member of the M. rubra complex. The level of inactivity of workers and queens was lower in polygynous colonies than in monogynous colonies. However, alate production per worker was not higher in polygynous colonies, and the lower inactivity did not raise the frequency of worker brood care. Instead, frequencies of allogrooming and/or self-grooming were significantly higher in workers and queens of polygynous colonies, suggesting the involvement of a nestmate recognition system. The removal of the queen from monogynous colonies increased the activity of orphan workers and raised the frequencies of brood care. Alate production per worker was significantly higher in orphaned colonies. This seems to support the prediction that workers prefer reproductive allocation to the ergonomic allocation favoured by queens during the ergonomic stage.