Abstract
Alate females were collected from monogynous and polygynous Solenopsis invicta colonies in four Texas counties. The two forms were sympatric in two of the counties, and were separated by half a mile and two miles respectively in the other two counties. The alate females from each colony were subjected to electrophoresis in horizontal starch gels and stained for hexokinase and aminopeptidase. Both systems revealed electromorphs in the polygynous population which were not present in the monogynous population. A unique slow hexokinase electromorph was present in 83% of the polygynous alates, while a unique slow aminopeptidase electromorph was present in 46% of the polygynous female alates. No evidence of nest queen pheromonal control over production of the unique isozymes was found. Other non-genetic explanations for the presence of electromorphs unique to polygynous populations are addressed.
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 call
