Ecological determinants of queen number in the ant Dontomachus hastatus

• Grant number: 10/52388-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Agreement: CNRS
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Sergio Moreira Carvalho de Oliveira
• Grantee: Paulo Sergio Moreira Carvalho de Oliveira
• Principal researcher abroad: Jérôme Olivel
• Institution abroad: ParisTech, France
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Multiple-queen (polygyny) colonies are common in social insects, especially in ants. Although the existence of polygyny challenges evolutionary theory, little is known on the selection pressures that might cause its evolution and maintenance in a population. The aim of our project is to elucidate the ecological factors regulating polygyny in the ant Odontomachus hastatus (Ponerinae), a species characterized by intraspecific plasticity in the number of queens. We will compare monogynous and polygynous populations living in two different habitats: French Guiana and Brazil (Cardoso Island). We will combine field studies and laboratory work to identify the ecological constraints leading to the expression of polygyny. In addition, we will evaluate the impact of polygyny on the social and spatial organization of queens and workers inside the nest. This project should provide valuable insights into the proximal mechanisms leading to the recurrent evolution of polygyny in ants. (AU)