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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Division of labor in work shifts by leaf-cutting ants

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Author(s):
Constantino, Pedro B. [1] ; Valentinuzzi, Veronica S. [2] ; Helene, Andre F. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo IB USP, Inst Biociencias, Dept Physiol, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Consejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, Ctr Reg Invest Cient & Transferencia Tecnol La Ri, UNLAR, SEGEMAR, UNCa, Anillaco, La Rioja - Argentina
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 11, n. 1 APR 22 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Foraging rhythms in eusocial insects are determined by the colony ` s overall pattern. However, in leaf-cutting ant workers, individual rhythms are not fully synchronized with the colonies' rhythm. The colony as a whole is nocturnal, since most worker activity takes place at night; however some workers forage during the day. Previous studies in individualized ants suggest nocturnal and diurnal workers coexistence. Here observations within the colony, in leaf-cutting ants, showed that workers have differential foraging time preference, which interestingly is associated to body size and differential leaf transportation engagement. Nocturnal ants are smaller and less engaged in leaf transportation whereas diurnal ants are bigger and more engaged in leaf carriage. Mechanisms underlying division of labor in work shifts in ants are still unknown but much can be extrapolated from honeybees; another social system bearing a similar pattern. A collective organization like this favors constant exploitation of food sources while preserving natural individual rhythm patterns, which arise from individual differences, and thermal tolerance, given by the size polymorphism presented by this species. (AU)