Ethological and physiological changes occuring in workers of Myrmica rubra L. maintained without queens

Area of Science:

• Myrmecology
• Animal Behavior
• Social Insects

Background:

• Understanding queen-worker interactions is crucial for social insect colony dynamics.
• Investigating memory and recognition in insects provides insights into their complex social structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Myrmica rubra ant workers retain information about their queens after separation.
• To explore the ethological and physiological changes in workers following queen removal.

Main Methods:

• Experimental nests of Myrmica rubra were established with queens.
• Queens were removed from experimental groups for 2 to 5 months.
• Worker recognition of queens, aggregation behavior, and ovary development were assessed.

Main Results:

• Workers recognized queens even after prolonged separation (2-5 months).
• Worker aggregation around queens initially decreased post-removal, then recovered.
• Ovary development in workers varied, with less active ovaries in those leaving the nest.

Conclusions:

• Myrmica rubra workers exhibit long-term memory of queen characteristics.
• Social regulation, involving ethological and physiological changes, occurs after queen removal.
• These adaptations likely enhance colony survival in the absence of the queen.