Topographic orientation in two species of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The topographic orientation of two species of ants is compared. Differential cue emphasis exists in diurnal orientation between the primarily nocturnalCamponotus pennsylvanicus and the mainly diurnalFormica subsericea. Field experiments demonstrated that both species use celestial and landmark cues for orientation. Although both species use visual cues and odor trails, forF. subsericea the former serve a more important role and vice versa forC. pennsylvanicus. The importance of these orientational differences is discussed in relation to the behavioral ecology of each species.