Demography and reproduction in the cavity-dwelling ant Stenamma diecki (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Backus, Vickie L.; Herbers, Joan M.

Source:

Northeastern Naturalist, Eagle Hill Institute, Volume 16, Issue 1, p.113-124 (2009)

Call Number:

A09BAC01IDUS

URL:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/27744546

Keywords:

cavity-nesting ant, Stenamma diecki

Abstract:

Stenamma diecki is a small ant with a widespread distribution. Systematic plot excavations in two locations allowed the authors to collect data on a large number of S. diecki nests to examine seasonal and spatial differences in nest demography and allocation decisions within this species. Populations of this species from New York and Vermont nest in cavities far more commonly than has been reported, and thus the authors could compare their results with data on this species and with patterns of demography and reproduction for two other well-studied cavity-dwelling ants. Nests were found to be monogynous at all locations, but showed considerable variation in mean queen number and mean worker number. Most nests did not produce any males or reproductive females in a season, and this pattern was also site specific. Sexual and reproductive allocation was similar for all sites tested. Finally, demographic patterns within a site over 3 seasons are consistent with those predicted by seasonal polydomy.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Invertebrates

CSE-style citation: Backus VL, Herbers JM. 2009. Demography and reproduction in the cavity-dwelling ant Stenamma diecki (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Northeastern Naturalist. 16(1):113-124. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27744546?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents.