Patterns of split sex ratio in ants have multiple evolutionary causes based on different within-colony conflicts

Abstract

Split sex ratio - a pattern where colonies within a population specialize in either male or queen production - is a widespread phenomenon in ants and other social Hymenoptera. It has often been attributed to variation in colony kin structure, which affects the degree of queen-worker conflict over optimal sex allocation. However, recent findings suggest that split sex ratio is a more diverse phenomenon, which can evolve for multiple reasons. Here, we provide an overview of the main conditions favouring split sex ratio. We show that each split sex-ratio type arises due to a different combination of factors determining colony kin structure, queen or worker control over sex ratio and the type of conflict between colony members. © 2009 The Royal Society.