Complex undertaking behavior in Temnothorax lichtensteini ant colonies: From corpse-burying behavior to necrophoric behavior

Abstract

Removal of dead bodies is considered an essential act in social behavior. Here we show that in Temnothorax lichtensteini (formerly Leptothorax), the reaction to the presence of a corpse within the nest is more complex than previously hypothesized. Depending on the nature of the corpse, we observe not only necrophoric behavior but also corpse-burying behavior and the alternation of these two behaviors. Alien but newly dead-corpses were buried, while old sister-corpses were transported outside the nest. Numerous other situations studied produce mixed results and contradictory behaviors, indicating behavioral plasticity. Thus, T. lichtensteini workers discriminate alien corpses from nestmate corpses, and old corpses from new corpses. The individual and/or collective characteristics of the behavioral decisions are discussed in the light of our results. © 2010 International Union for the Study of Social Insects (IUSSI).