Polymorphism and Division of Labor in the Neotropical Ant Camponotus sericeiventris Guerin (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Polymorphism and division of labor in the neotropical ant Camponotus se-riceiventris (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was examined. This species is strongly polymorphic along a continuous series with a wide range of worker sizes. Behavioral analysis reveals division of labor among three physical worker castes. The differences in the behavioral repertories of each of the castes are statistically significant. Anatomical and physiological studies support the behavioral observations. The mandibular glands and the maxillary glands are disproportionately large in the major caste. These findings suggest that the majors are specialized for defense and may have a role in processing the colony's food. A comparison with other species of Camponotus implies that C. sericeiventris may have one of the more advanced caste systems in the genus.