Myrmecol. News 35: 265-279

Download PDF file (3.209 KB)

Export citation in TXT format

Export citation in RIS format

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.25849/myrmecol.news_035:265
  • Open Access: CC BY 4.0
  • Author: Chu, H.-Y., Fang, Y.-T., Lin, T.-H., Chen, J.T.-C. & Tseng, S.-P.
  • Year: 2025
  • Title: Insights into social organization and population genetics of introduced Odontomachus troglodytes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Taiwan
  • Journal: Myrmecological News
  • Volume: 35
  • Pages: 265-279
  • Type of contribution: Original Article
  • Supplementary material: Yes
  • Abstract: Supercoloniality and unique reproductive strategies are critical factors driving the ecological dominance of invasive ant species. However, their role in the post-introduction success of species belonging to the Ponerinae subfamily remains largely unexplored. Odontomachus troglodytes, a ponerine ant native to sub-Saharan Africa, has been recently reported to have established populations in southern Taiwan. In the present study, we conducted behavioral assays and developed 11 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers to investigate the social organization, breeding system, and population structure of O. troglodytes in its introduced range. Genotypic analyses indicated sexual reproduction with no evidence of clonal propagation. Both field observations and genetic data revealed high levels of polygyny and polyandry, accompanied by a notable frequency of diploid males, likely resulting from inbreeding. Our findings suggest that the Kaohsiung population exhibits some supercolonial traits, including polygyny, polydomy, and the absence of inter-nest aggression across distances of several kilometers. This marks the first reported case of such a social structure in the Odontomachini tribe. While workers from different nests displayed tolerance, genetic data suggest incomplete homogenization across nests. The present study offers new insights into the colony structure and reproductive biology of O. troglodytes in an introduced context and highlights the potential role of social structure in supporting population persistence and spread.
  • Key words: Invasive species, microsatellite, Ponerinae, supercolony
  • Publisher: The Austrian Society of Entomofaunistics
  • ISSN: 1997-3500
  • Check out the accompanying blog contribution: https://blog.myrmecologicalnews.org/2025/10/14/trap-jawed-takeover-unrevealing-the-secret-lives-of-taiwans-invading-ants/

Myrmecol. News 35: 265-279, Supplement

Download .pdf file (440KB)

  • Open Access: CC BY 4.0
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Myrmecological News
  • Volume: 34
  • Pages: 71-79
  • Type of contribution: Original Article
  • Supplementary material: Yes
  • Key words: Division of labor, brood, chemical communication, larvae, cuticular hydrocarbons, behavioral decisions
  • Publisher: The Austrian Society of Entomofaunistics
  • ISSN: 1997-3500