Novgorodova, T.A.

The specialization in groups of ants tending aphid colonies (Hymenoptera: Formicidae; Homoptera: Aphididae)

Tatiana A. Novgorodova Dr. Tatiana A. Novgorodova, Institute of Animal Systematics and Ecology, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze ul., 11, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russia. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Myrmecol. News 10: 115 Data are reported on a comparative analysis of the behaviour and work organization of different ant species tending aphids in multi-species communities. The "teams" of ants tending separate aphid colonies (milkers) are shown to include both "passive" and "active" foragers. The functions of the former are usually restricted to collecting and transporting honeydew. Active foragers are multifunctional. They can guard trophobionts, search for new aphid colonies and even coordinate the group activity to some extent in addition to the common functions (collecting and transporting honeydew). The comparative analysis of the schemes of interaction of different ant species with aphids has revealed that the depth of functional differentiation in working groups of milkers is caused by the requirements of an ant…

Open access, licensed under CC BY 4.0. © 2007 The Author(s).

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