The social biology of Hagensia havilandi (Forel 1901)(Hymenoptera Formicidae), and the origin of queenlessness in ponerine ants

Abstract

Hagensia Havilandi (Forel 1901) is a forest-dwelling ant related to species in the genera Pachycondyla Smith 1858 and Diacamma Mayr 1862. Mated workers fill The reproductive function of the queen caste, which has been lost. There is only one mated worker in each colony, but 8–42 virgin workers. Facultative, complete sterility in virgin workers appears to be brought about by physical interaction with the mated worker. Division of labour in colonies Of H. Havilandi is similar to that of other queenless ponerine ants. Reproductive regulation in this species and its near relatives is reviewed. Reproductive and behavioural traits of queenless members of the ponerini are examined for their general value as indicators of phylogenetic relationship. It is concluded that before any insight into the evolutionary loss of the queen caste can be gleaned from comparative studies of ponerine ants, thorough phylogenetic studies are needed. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.