Notes on the biology of the slave-making ant Polyergus rufescens Latr. (Hymenoptera Formicidae) in the field

Abstract

An eco-ethological study was conducted in the field on the European Amazon ant, Polyergus rufescens Latr.

The activity of both slave-makers and slaves (Formica cunicularia Latr.) was observed at the dulotic colony.

Mating flights of P. rufescens took place in the early afternoon, at very high temperatures. During the mating season, a few to several dealate queens accompanied the raiding swarm.

All the slave-raids were conducted on colonies of Formica cunicularia in the late afternoon, after a prolonged phase of scouting. Simple, compound and multiple raids occurred, during which both chemical and optical cues were used for orientation. The timing, frequency, distance and direction of the raids, including the number of participants and the type of loot were recorded. Particular attention was paid to the atmospheric conditions present at the moment of the raid onset.

A case of eudulosis (the pillage of adult ants) and the digging out of the soil near the target nest were analysed by video-tape.

KEY WORDS:

• ants
• slavery
• mating flights
• slave-raids organization
• scouting
• orientation
• eudulosis
• slaves activity