Worker demography in the ant Formica neorufibarbis

Abstract

1. Patterns of worker demography in the ant Formica neorufibarbis were documented under natural conditions. 2. Some workers lived at least 4 years. 3. In 4 of 5 years, colonies were more likely to retain older workers than new workers. 4. Workers persisted for more years in colonies lacking queens than in queen-right colonies.