Demografia, ocupação do ninho e interações sociais da formiga Odontomachus haematodus

Abstract

Ants, eusocial animals, present a variety of organizational configurations. Such configurations are emergent properties of interactions between individuals and nest space occupancy, which influence many processes necessary to the development of the colony. Among ants, poneromorphs are appropriate models for the study of social configurations, due to their morphological characteristics and behavioral profile. This study is a characterization of nest occupancy and individual interaction patterns in Odontomachus haematodus colonies maintained in laboratory settings. Five colonies were kept in artificial nests in the Behavioral Biology Laboratory (LBC-DFS) at UFRN. The ants were marked for identification, and their behavior was registered and analyzed. In order to understand the dynamics of individual interactions we used analysis of social networks. Our results indicate a nest space utilization patterns related to the entrance distance. Chambers closest to the entrance were used by inactive individuals, which act as a “backup workforce”. Chambers further from the entrance were used for immature allocation. The analysis of the social networks showed the presence of individuals more connected than the others in every colony. This position does not seem to be associated with any particular behavioral pattern or function in the colony. We conclude that the social organization in colonies of O. haematodus relies on the existence of generalists individuals, that are capable of accessing the necessities of the colony.