Bigger helpers in the ant Cataglyphis bombycina: increased worker polymorphism or novel soldier caste?

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The mechanisms by which development favors or constrains the evolution of new phenotypes are incompletely understood. Polyphenic species may benefit from developmental plasticity not only regarding ecological advantages, but also potential for evolutionary diversification. For instance, the repeated evolution of novel castes in ants may have been facilitated by the existence of alternative queen and worker castes and their respective developmental programs.

Material and methods

Cataglyphis bombycina is exceptional in its genus because winged queens and size-polymorphic workers occur together with bigger individuals having saber-shaped mandibles. We measured seven body parts in more than 150 individuals to perform a morphometric analysis and assess the developmen

SUBMITTER: Molet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3880325 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature