[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the taxonomic status and genetic relationship of ants at molecular level.[Method]Applying cyt b gene as a molecular marker,molecular phylogenetic analysis of 14 ant spe...[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the taxonomic status and genetic relationship of ants at molecular level.[Method]Applying cyt b gene as a molecular marker,molecular phylogenetic analysis of 14 ant species of 5 genera(Camponotus,Formica,Polyrhachis,Pheidole and Crematogaster)in Formicidae was conducted.Partial sequences of cyt b gene in 14 ant species were analyzed with software MEGA,Clustal X and PAUP,and phylogenetic trees were constructed by Neighbor-Joining method(NJ)and Maximum-Parsimony method(MP).[Result]NJ tree and MP tree showed that the 14 ant species could be clustered into 5 branches.[Conclusion]The results of molecular phylogenetic analysis coincided with the views of traditional morphological taxonomy.展开更多
A new ant species, Strongylognathus tylonum , sp. n. is described from Mt. Taibai in Shaanxi Province, China. Description is given for the worker caste. The species is morphologically close to S. karawajewi Pis...A new ant species, Strongylognathus tylonum , sp. n. is described from Mt. Taibai in Shaanxi Province, China. Description is given for the worker caste. The species is morphologically close to S. karawajewi Pisarski. A key based on worker caste is preposed for the 3 species known in China. The type specimens of the new species is deposited in the Insect Collection, College of Forestry, Northwest Sci Tech University of Agriculture and Forestry.展开更多
The third species of the ant genus Perissomyrmex in the world, P. fissus sp. nov., is collected from Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province. Perissomyrmex is a new record genus in China. Taxonomic key based ...The third species of the ant genus Perissomyrmex in the world, P. fissus sp. nov., is collected from Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province. Perissomyrmex is a new record genus in China. Taxonomic key based on worker caste is provided for the 3 species: P. snyderi Smith, P. monticola de Andrade, and P. fissus sp. nov.展开更多
Four new species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille are described from the Gaoligongshan Mountain Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province. Up to date, 12 species of the genus are recorded in China, i.e. P.sinensis Whe...Four new species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille are described from the Gaoligongshan Mountain Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province. Up to date, 12 species of the genus are recorded in China, i.e. P.sinensis Wheeler, P.alisana Terayama, P.chiponensis Terayama, Ponera pentodontos Xu, Ponera menglana Xu, Ponera nangongshana Xu, Ponera longlina Xu, Ponera baka Xu, Ponera xantha, sp. nov., Ponera pianmana, sp. nov., Ponera bawana, sp. nov., Ponera diodonta, sp. nov. A key to 12 species in China based on worker caste with figures is provided. All the type specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Southwest Forestry College.展开更多
The ant genus Myopopone Roger is distributed in Oriental and Indo-Australian regions.Only one valid species,M.castanea（Smith）,is recognized in the genus up to date.M.castanea（Smith） is recorded in Tibet,China,for ...The ant genus Myopopone Roger is distributed in Oriental and Indo-Australian regions.Only one valid species,M.castanea（Smith）,is recognized in the genus up to date.M.castanea（Smith） is recorded in Tibet,China,for the first time.Complete information,including characters of the genus,detailed measurements,descriptions,and illustrations of worker and queen castes of M.castanea,is provided.展开更多
In this paper,2 new species of the ant genus Polyrhachis Smith found in Yunnan Province of China,P cyphonota sp n and P bakana sp n,were described P cyphonota sp n belongs to the subgenus Cyrtomyrma Forel P bakana sp ...In this paper,2 new species of the ant genus Polyrhachis Smith found in Yunnan Province of China,P cyphonota sp n and P bakana sp n,were described P cyphonota sp n belongs to the subgenus Cyrtomyrma Forel P bakana sp n belongs to the subgenus Myrmhopla Forel P bakana sp n was found in the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve展开更多
A new species of the genus Recurvidris Bolton, Recurvidris glabriceps sp. nov. collected from south China is described. A key to Chinese known species of the genus based on worker caste is presented.
Two new ant species from the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province,Mystrium oculatum sp. nov. and Cryptopone recticlypea sp. nov.,were described. The genus,Mystrium Roger,was first re...Two new ant species from the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province,Mystrium oculatum sp. nov. and Cryptopone recticlypea sp. nov.,were described. The genus,Mystrium Roger,was first recorded in China.展开更多
Eight species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille are recorded in China, among them 5 new species are discovered and described from Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province: P. sinensis Wheeler distribute...Eight species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille are recorded in China, among them 5 new species are discovered and described from Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province: P. sinensis Wheeler distributed in Hong Kong; P. alisana Terayama and P. chiponensis Terayama distributed in Taiwan Province; P. pentodontos , sp. nov., P. menglana , sp. nov., P. nangongshana , sp. nov., P. longlina , sp. nov., and P. baka , sp. nov. distributed in Yunnan Province. A key based on worker caste is provided for the 8 species. The type specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Southwest Forestry College, Kunming, Yunnan, China.展开更多
A new species of the ant genus Epitritus Emery, E. dayui sp. nov., is collected in Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. Up to date, 4 species of the genus are known in China: E. hexamerus ...A new species of the ant genus Epitritus Emery, E. dayui sp. nov., is collected in Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. Up to date, 4 species of the genus are known in China: E. hexamerus Brown, E. formosus Terayama, Lin et Wu, E. hirashimai Ogata, and E. dayui sp. nov. A key based on worker and female castes is proposed for the 4 known species of Epitritus of East Asia.展开更多
Two new genera of the ant subfamilies Dorylinae and Ponerinae are collected and described from the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve,Yunnan Province,China. Yunodorylus gen nov belongs to the subf...Two new genera of the ant subfamilies Dorylinae and Ponerinae are collected and described from the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve,Yunnan Province,China. Yunodorylus gen nov belongs to the subfamily Dorylinae,which is monotypic and terrestrial with 2 colonies of the species Y sexspinus sp nov. collected from the soil sample of seasonal rain forest and deciduous monsoon forest. Bannapone gen nov. belongs to the tribe Amblyoponini of Ponerinae,which is also monotypic and known only from a dealate female of the species B mulanae sp nov.collected from a soil sample in semi evergreen monsoon forest.展开更多
The queen of the ant species, Myrmica zhengi Ma ＆ Xu, is described. The queen is similar to workers, but differs from the latter in the following characters： Head with three large ocelli, eyes with dark colored patc...The queen of the ant species, Myrmica zhengi Ma ＆ Xu, is described. The queen is similar to workers, but differs from the latter in the following characters： Head with three large ocelli, eyes with dark colored patches; clypeus cabochon, anterior margin straight; mandible shiny, alitrunk very regularly longitudinally striated, petiole, dorsum of postpetiole and gaster shiny and smooth; body mainly brown, edge of mesonotum with suberect hair, posterior part of postpetiole with a transverse row of sparse erect hairs.展开更多
An ant species, Cardiocondyla gibbosa Kuznetzov-Ugamsky, 1927, is newly recorded from China. The specimens were collected from Shule County of Kashgar, Xinjiang （39°14%I, 76° 22E; elev. 1248 m）. All the sp...An ant species, Cardiocondyla gibbosa Kuznetzov-Ugamsky, 1927, is newly recorded from China. The specimens were collected from Shule County of Kashgar, Xinjiang （39°14%I, 76° 22E; elev. 1248 m）. All the specimens are kept in Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University. A key based on worker caste to known species of Cardiocondyla from China is provided.展开更多
The biology of a koinobiont parasitoid of leaf-cutting ant larvae, <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Szelenyiopria talitae<span ...The biology of a koinobiont parasitoid of leaf-cutting ant larvae, <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Szelenyiopria talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), was studied from naturally infested <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Acromyrmex subterraneus<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests. Nests were collected in the field from the Atlantic rainforest biome in the state of Rio de Janeiro. A total of fifty-three nests were collected from 2015 to 2018. Parasitized nests were only found during the months of September and October. Approximately 22% of the nests collected over a four-year period were found to have been parasitized by <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i>. The mean within-nest parasitism rate was<span "=""> 66.3%. This diapriid displayed both solitary (14%) and gregarious parasitism (86%), with up to a maximum of 12 parasitoids developing within a single host. Gregarious parasitism with two (29%) or three (21%) <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i></span><i></i> per host was most frequently observed. There was a positive correlation between the number of parasitoids per host and host size (dry weight), indicating that <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> females oviposited a higher number of eggs in larger hosts. There was also a negative correlation between <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S.</i> <i>talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> pharate adult size and the number of parasitoids per host, which could have been caused by sibling competition for limited host resources. The high levels of parasitism seen here had a debilitating effect on the colonies. <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Acromyrmex subterraneus<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> is a serious pest in Brazil, and these studies lay the foundation for understanding the impact of <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> on ant populations.展开更多
Many extant species spin cocoons before their pupal stage,which can protect them from predators,pathogens,and fluctuant environmental factors in nests.However,owing to the scarcity of ant cocoon fossils,little is know...Many extant species spin cocoons before their pupal stage,which can protect them from predators,pathogens,and fluctuant environmental factors in nests.However,owing to the scarcity of ant cocoon fossils,little is known about the origin and evolution of this behavior in Formicidae.Here,we describe two ant pupae specimens from Myanmar amber.The presence of cocoons in these Mesozoic fossils suggests the ancestral origin of spinning cocoon behavior;based on our phylogenetic analysis and ancestral state reconstruction,this behavior was secondarily lost at least six times in Formicidae,which could be ascribed to the transition of nesting and feeding habits,as well as the development of eusociality.Moreover,the first specimen preserved worker ants with empty cocoons simultaneously,indicating garbage removal or brood care behavior,which improves our understanding of their eusociality in the Cretaceous.展开更多
The value of the Formicidae (Insecta,Hymenoptera) community in forensic investigations is poorly studied in Portugal.In order to better understand the structure and dynamics of this group of insects in cadavers and th...The value of the Formicidae (Insecta,Hymenoptera) community in forensic investigations is poorly studied in Portugal.In order to better understand the structure and dynamics of this group of insects in cadavers and their putative value in forensic investigations,studies were carried out in Lisbon area during one year.Piglet carcasses were used as a model of human decomposition.The entomofauna attracted to the carcasses was collected over a period of about 2 months in each season of the year.The collection of ants was performed at regular intervals,daily in the first 23 days and then with intervals of 2,3 or 5 days until the end of the experiment.Five stages of cadaveric decomposition were recognized with the ants being present in all of them.Three hundred and nine specimens were captured: 7 in autumn,6 in winter,90 in spring and 206 in summer.These specimens belong to three subfamilies and seven different species.Four of them had never been mentioned before as being associated to cadavers in this geographical area.Spring and summer had the greater diversity of species and a larger number of individuals.Temnothorax luteus was the dominant species in spring and Tapinoma nigerrimum in summer.Corroborating the information of other similar studies carried out in the Iberian Peninsula,the sarcosaprophagous Formicidae community found in Lisbon is unique and different from other studied locations,which supports the need to perform regional studies.Our results shown that ants do not present a definite pattern of succession,but some species have the potential to be seasonal or geographic indicators.展开更多
Most described Mesozoic ants belong to stem groups that existed only during the Cretaceous period.Previously,the earliest known crown ants were dated to the Turonian(Late Cretaceous,ca.94-90 million years ago(Ma))depo...Most described Mesozoic ants belong to stem groups that existed only during the Cretaceous period.Previously,the earliest known crown ants were dated to the Turonian(Late Cretaceous,ca.94-90 million years ago(Ma))deposits found in the USA,Kazakhstan,and Botswana.However,the recent discovery of an alate male ant in Kachin amber from the earliest Cenomanian(ca.99 Ma),representing a new genus and species,Antiquiformica alata,revises the narrative on ant diversification.Antiquiformica can be distinctly differentiated from all known male stem ants by its geniculate antennae with elongated scape,extending far beyond the occipital margin of the head and half the length of the funiculus,as well as its partly reduced forewing venation.Furthermore,the combination of a one-segmented waist with a well-developed node,elongated scape extending beyond the occipital margin,and reduced forewing venation,particularly the completely reduced m-cu and rs-m crossveins and absence of rm and mcu closed cells,firmly places the fossil within the extant subfamily Formicinae.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)confirmed that the amber containing Antiquiformica alata originated from the Kachin mines in Myanmar.This discovery significantly revises our understanding of the early evolution of Formicinae.The presence of Antiquiformica in Cenomanian amber indicates that the subfamily Formicinae emerged at least by the start of the Late Cretaceous,with crown ants likely originating earlier during the earliest Cretaceous or possibly the Late Jurassic,although paleontological evidence is lacking to support the latter hypothesis.展开更多
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons(CHCs)serve as communication signals and protect against desiccation.They form complex blends of up to 150 different compounds.Due to differences in molecular packing,CHC classes differ in...Insect cuticular hydrocarbons(CHCs)serve as communication signals and protect against desiccation.They form complex blends of up to 150 different compounds.Due to differences in molecular packing,CHC classes differ in melting point.Communication is especially important in social insects like ants,which use CHCs to communicate within the colony and to recognize nestmates.Nestmate recognition models often assume a homogenous colony odor,where CHCs are collected,mixed,and redistributed in the postpharyngeal gland(PPG).Via diffusion,recognition cues should evenly spread over the body surface.Hence,CHC composition should be similar across body parts and in the PPG.To test this,we compared CHC composition among whole-body extracts,PPG,legs,thorax,and gaster,across 17 ant species from 3 genera.Quantitative CHC composition differed between body parts,with consistent patterns across species and CHC classes.Early-melting CHC classes were most abundant in the PPG.In contrast,whole body,gaster,thorax,and legs had increasing proportions of CHC classes with higher melting points.Intraindividual CHC variation was highest for rather solid,late-melting CHC classes,suggesting that CHCs differ in their diffusion rates across the body surface.Our results show that body parts strongly differ in CHC composition,either being rich in rather solid,late-melting,or rather liquid,early-melting CHCs.This implies that recognition cues are not homogenously present across the insect body.However,the unequal diffusion of different CHCs represents a biophysical mechanism that enables caste differences despite continuous CHC exchange among colony members.展开更多
Arthropodan syuinclusions in the Late Eocene Rovno amber were examined using x^2 to reveal correlation of the component groups （some taxa of Diptera, ants, aphids, and mites） supposedly indicative of the biocoenotic...Arthropodan syuinclusions in the Late Eocene Rovno amber were examined using x^2 to reveal correlation of the component groups （some taxa of Diptera, ants, aphids, and mites） supposedly indicative of the biocoenotic relationships in the ancient amber forest. Three tightly correlated groups were identified, representing a putative aerial plankton guild （Chironomidae ＋ Ceratopogonidae） and two tree-trunk guilds, one of which （Dolichopodidae ＋ Germaraphis） is possibly connected to more open or/and more hygrophilous habitats than the other （Sciara zone Diptera ＋ ＂Acarus＂ rhombeus）. The ants were not linked with any of the above components.展开更多
Mutually beneficial associations are widespread in ecological networks.They are typically assembled as multispecies guilds of symbionts that compete for one or more host species.The ant Lasius flavus engages in an int...Mutually beneficial associations are widespread in ecological networks.They are typically assembled as multispecies guilds of symbionts that compete for one or more host species.The ant Lasius flavus engages in an intriguing and obligate mutualistic association with a community of aphids that are cultivated on plant roots in its nests.The ant displays a repertoire of amicable behaviors toward the aphids,including their transport.I examined whether L.flavus preferentially carried some of the root aphids.Using a no-choice and a choice experiment,I comparatively analyzed the transport rate of 5 obligate and one loosely associated species back to the ant nest and used the transport rate of the ant larvae as a reference.All associated root aphids were carried back to the nest,but in a clear preferential hierarchy.Geoica utricularia,Forda Formicaria,and Trama rara were rapidly transported,but slower than the own larvae.Tetraneura ulmi and Geoica setulosa were collected at a moderate rate and the loosely associated Aploneura lentisci was slowly retrieved.In contrast,different species of unassociated aphids were not transported and even provoked aggressive behavior in L.flavus.This study revealed that co-occurring symbionts may induce different degrees of host attraction,which ultimately may affect the coexistence and assembly of ant-symbiont communities.展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(30770258)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the taxonomic status and genetic relationship of ants at molecular level.[Method]Applying cyt b gene as a molecular marker,molecular phylogenetic analysis of 14 ant species of 5 genera(Camponotus,Formica,Polyrhachis,Pheidole and Crematogaster)in Formicidae was conducted.Partial sequences of cyt b gene in 14 ant species were analyzed with software MEGA,Clustal X and PAUP,and phylogenetic trees were constructed by Neighbor-Joining method(NJ)and Maximum-Parsimony method(MP).[Result]NJ tree and MP tree showed that the 14 ant species could be clustered into 5 branches.[Conclusion]The results of molecular phylogenetic analysis coincided with the views of traditional morphological taxonomy.
文摘A new ant species, Strongylognathus tylonum , sp. n. is described from Mt. Taibai in Shaanxi Province, China. Description is given for the worker caste. The species is morphologically close to S. karawajewi Pisarski. A key based on worker caste is preposed for the 3 species known in China. The type specimens of the new species is deposited in the Insect Collection, College of Forestry, Northwest Sci Tech University of Agriculture and Forestry.
基金This study is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province (2001 C0042M) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30260016)
文摘The third species of the ant genus Perissomyrmex in the world, P. fissus sp. nov., is collected from Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province. Perissomyrmex is a new record genus in China. Taxonomic key based on worker caste is provided for the 3 species: P. snyderi Smith, P. monticola de Andrade, and P. fissus sp. nov.
基金the Applied and Basic Research Foundation of YunnanProvince(97C0 0 6G)
文摘Four new species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille are described from the Gaoligongshan Mountain Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province. Up to date, 12 species of the genus are recorded in China, i.e. P.sinensis Wheeler, P.alisana Terayama, P.chiponensis Terayama, Ponera pentodontos Xu, Ponera menglana Xu, Ponera nangongshana Xu, Ponera longlina Xu, Ponera baka Xu, Ponera xantha, sp. nov., Ponera pianmana, sp. nov., Ponera bawana, sp. nov., Ponera diodonta, sp. nov. A key to 12 species in China based on worker caste with figures is provided. All the type specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Southwest Forestry College.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30870333)Rapid Assessment Program of Biodiversity organized by Peking University
文摘The ant genus Myopopone Roger is distributed in Oriental and Indo-Australian regions.Only one valid species,M.castanea（Smith）,is recognized in the genus up to date.M.castanea（Smith） is recorded in Tibet,China,for the first time.Complete information,including characters of the genus,detailed measurements,descriptions,and illustrations of worker and queen castes of M.castanea,is provided.
文摘In this paper,2 new species of the ant genus Polyrhachis Smith found in Yunnan Province of China,P cyphonota sp n and P bakana sp n,were described P cyphonota sp n belongs to the subgenus Cyrtomyrma Forel P bakana sp n belongs to the subgenus Myrmhopla Forel P bakana sp n was found in the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve
文摘A new species of the genus Recurvidris Bolton, Recurvidris glabriceps sp. nov. collected from south China is described. A key to Chinese known species of the genus based on worker caste is presented.
文摘Two new ant species from the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province,Mystrium oculatum sp. nov. and Cryptopone recticlypea sp. nov.,were described. The genus,Mystrium Roger,was first recorded in China.
基金This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(3950 0 1 1 8) and the Applied and Basic Research F
文摘Eight species of the ant genus Ponera Latreille are recorded in China, among them 5 new species are discovered and described from Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province: P. sinensis Wheeler distributed in Hong Kong; P. alisana Terayama and P. chiponensis Terayama distributed in Taiwan Province; P. pentodontos , sp. nov., P. menglana , sp. nov., P. nangongshana , sp. nov., P. longlina , sp. nov., and P. baka , sp. nov. distributed in Yunnan Province. A key based on worker caste is provided for the 8 species. The type specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Southwest Forestry College, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
文摘A new species of the ant genus Epitritus Emery, E. dayui sp. nov., is collected in Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. Up to date, 4 species of the genus are known in China: E. hexamerus Brown, E. formosus Terayama, Lin et Wu, E. hirashimai Ogata, and E. dayui sp. nov. A key based on worker and female castes is proposed for the 4 known species of Epitritus of East Asia.
文摘Two new genera of the ant subfamilies Dorylinae and Ponerinae are collected and described from the tropical rain forest of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve,Yunnan Province,China. Yunodorylus gen nov belongs to the subfamily Dorylinae,which is monotypic and terrestrial with 2 colonies of the species Y sexspinus sp nov. collected from the soil sample of seasonal rain forest and deciduous monsoon forest. Bannapone gen nov. belongs to the tribe Amblyoponini of Ponerinae,which is also monotypic and known only from a dealate female of the species B mulanae sp nov.collected from a soil sample in semi evergreen monsoon forest.
基金funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (CK200902026)
文摘The queen of the ant species, Myrmica zhengi Ma ＆ Xu, is described. The queen is similar to workers, but differs from the latter in the following characters： Head with three large ocelli, eyes with dark colored patches; clypeus cabochon, anterior margin straight; mandible shiny, alitrunk very regularly longitudinally striated, petiole, dorsum of postpetiole and gaster shiny and smooth; body mainly brown, edge of mesonotum with suberect hair, posterior part of postpetiole with a transverse row of sparse erect hairs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31372250)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(GK201302053)
文摘An ant species, Cardiocondyla gibbosa Kuznetzov-Ugamsky, 1927, is newly recorded from China. The specimens were collected from Shule County of Kashgar, Xinjiang （39°14%I, 76° 22E; elev. 1248 m）. All the specimens are kept in Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University. A key based on worker caste to known species of Cardiocondyla from China is provided.
文摘The biology of a koinobiont parasitoid of leaf-cutting ant larvae, <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Szelenyiopria talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), was studied from naturally infested <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Acromyrmex subterraneus<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests. Nests were collected in the field from the Atlantic rainforest biome in the state of Rio de Janeiro. A total of fifty-three nests were collected from 2015 to 2018. Parasitized nests were only found during the months of September and October. Approximately 22% of the nests collected over a four-year period were found to have been parasitized by <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i>. The mean within-nest parasitism rate was<span "=""> 66.3%. This diapriid displayed both solitary (14%) and gregarious parasitism (86%), with up to a maximum of 12 parasitoids developing within a single host. Gregarious parasitism with two (29%) or three (21%) <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i></span><i></i> per host was most frequently observed. There was a positive correlation between the number of parasitoids per host and host size (dry weight), indicating that <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> females oviposited a higher number of eggs in larger hosts. There was also a negative correlation between <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S.</i> <i>talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> pharate adult size and the number of parasitoids per host, which could have been caused by sibling competition for limited host resources. The high levels of parasitism seen here had a debilitating effect on the colonies. <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>Acromyrmex subterraneus<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> is a serious pest in Brazil, and these studies lay the foundation for understanding the impact of <span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><i></i></span><i><i>S. talitae<span style="color:#4D5156;background-color:#FFFFFF;"></span></i></i> on ant populations.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.of 31830084,31970440&32070466)also supported by“the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities”,Nankai University(No.96172158,96173250&91822294).
文摘Many extant species spin cocoons before their pupal stage,which can protect them from predators,pathogens,and fluctuant environmental factors in nests.However,owing to the scarcity of ant cocoon fossils,little is known about the origin and evolution of this behavior in Formicidae.Here,we describe two ant pupae specimens from Myanmar amber.The presence of cocoons in these Mesozoic fossils suggests the ancestral origin of spinning cocoon behavior;based on our phylogenetic analysis and ancestral state reconstruction,this behavior was secondarily lost at least six times in Formicidae,which could be ascribed to the transition of nesting and feeding habits,as well as the development of eusociality.Moreover,the first specimen preserved worker ants with empty cocoons simultaneously,indicating garbage removal or brood care behavior,which improves our understanding of their eusociality in the Cretaceous.
基金Ricardo Dinis-Oliveira acknowledges Fundacao para a Cien-cia e a Tecnologia(FCT)for his Investigator Grant Igrantnumber IF/01147/1013.
文摘The value of the Formicidae (Insecta,Hymenoptera) community in forensic investigations is poorly studied in Portugal.In order to better understand the structure and dynamics of this group of insects in cadavers and their putative value in forensic investigations,studies were carried out in Lisbon area during one year.Piglet carcasses were used as a model of human decomposition.The entomofauna attracted to the carcasses was collected over a period of about 2 months in each season of the year.The collection of ants was performed at regular intervals,daily in the first 23 days and then with intervals of 2,3 or 5 days until the end of the experiment.Five stages of cadaveric decomposition were recognized with the ants being present in all of them.Three hundred and nine specimens were captured: 7 in autumn,6 in winter,90 in spring and 206 in summer.These specimens belong to three subfamilies and seven different species.Four of them had never been mentioned before as being associated to cadavers in this geographical area.Spring and summer had the greater diversity of species and a larger number of individuals.Temnothorax luteus was the dominant species in spring and Tapinoma nigerrimum in summer.Corroborating the information of other similar studies carried out in the Iberian Peninsula,the sarcosaprophagous Formicidae community found in Lisbon is unique and different from other studied locations,which supports the need to perform regional studies.Our results shown that ants do not present a definite pattern of succession,but some species have the potential to be seasonal or geographic indicators.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32270467,32020103006)National Research Foundation of Ukraine(2020/02/0369 to A.G.R.)CONCYTEC through the PROCIENCIA“Interinstitutional Alliances for Doctorate Programs”(PE501084299-2023-PROCIENCIA-BM to M.S.E.)。
文摘Most described Mesozoic ants belong to stem groups that existed only during the Cretaceous period.Previously,the earliest known crown ants were dated to the Turonian(Late Cretaceous,ca.94-90 million years ago(Ma))deposits found in the USA,Kazakhstan,and Botswana.However,the recent discovery of an alate male ant in Kachin amber from the earliest Cenomanian(ca.99 Ma),representing a new genus and species,Antiquiformica alata,revises the narrative on ant diversification.Antiquiformica can be distinctly differentiated from all known male stem ants by its geniculate antennae with elongated scape,extending far beyond the occipital margin of the head and half the length of the funiculus,as well as its partly reduced forewing venation.Furthermore,the combination of a one-segmented waist with a well-developed node,elongated scape extending beyond the occipital margin,and reduced forewing venation,particularly the completely reduced m-cu and rs-m crossveins and absence of rm and mcu closed cells,firmly places the fossil within the extant subfamily Formicinae.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)confirmed that the amber containing Antiquiformica alata originated from the Kachin mines in Myanmar.This discovery significantly revises our understanding of the early evolution of Formicinae.The presence of Antiquiformica in Cenomanian amber indicates that the subfamily Formicinae emerged at least by the start of the Late Cretaceous,with crown ants likely originating earlier during the earliest Cretaceous or possibly the Late Jurassic,although paleontological evidence is lacking to support the latter hypothesis.
基金This study was funded by a Heisenberg fellowship of the German Research Foundation to FM(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,grant no.ME 3842/6-1).
文摘Insect cuticular hydrocarbons(CHCs)serve as communication signals and protect against desiccation.They form complex blends of up to 150 different compounds.Due to differences in molecular packing,CHC classes differ in melting point.Communication is especially important in social insects like ants,which use CHCs to communicate within the colony and to recognize nestmates.Nestmate recognition models often assume a homogenous colony odor,where CHCs are collected,mixed,and redistributed in the postpharyngeal gland(PPG).Via diffusion,recognition cues should evenly spread over the body surface.Hence,CHC composition should be similar across body parts and in the PPG.To test this,we compared CHC composition among whole-body extracts,PPG,legs,thorax,and gaster,across 17 ant species from 3 genera.Quantitative CHC composition differed between body parts,with consistent patterns across species and CHC classes.Early-melting CHC classes were most abundant in the PPG.In contrast,whole body,gaster,thorax,and legs had increasing proportions of CHC classes with higher melting points.Intraindividual CHC variation was highest for rather solid,late-melting CHC classes,suggesting that CHCs differ in their diffusion rates across the body surface.Our results show that body parts strongly differ in CHC composition,either being rich in rather solid,late-melting,or rather liquid,early-melting CHCs.This implies that recognition cues are not homogenously present across the insect body.However,the unequal diffusion of different CHCs represents a biophysical mechanism that enables caste differences despite continuous CHC exchange among colony members.
基金supported in part by the RFBR Grant #09-04- 01241 and the Presidium RAS Program"Origin and evolution of Biosphere"
文摘Arthropodan syuinclusions in the Late Eocene Rovno amber were examined using x^2 to reveal correlation of the component groups （some taxa of Diptera, ants, aphids, and mites） supposedly indicative of the biocoenotic relationships in the ancient amber forest. Three tightly correlated groups were identified, representing a putative aerial plankton guild （Chironomidae ＋ Ceratopogonidae） and two tree-trunk guilds, one of which （Dolichopodidae ＋ Germaraphis） is possibly connected to more open or/and more hygrophilous habitats than the other （Sciara zone Diptera ＋ ＂Acarus＂ rhombeus）. The ants were not linked with any of the above components.
基金This study was funded by the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek—FWO(Junior postdoctoral fellowship 1203020N)the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique—FNRS(Chargéde recherches 30257865).
文摘Mutually beneficial associations are widespread in ecological networks.They are typically assembled as multispecies guilds of symbionts that compete for one or more host species.The ant Lasius flavus engages in an intriguing and obligate mutualistic association with a community of aphids that are cultivated on plant roots in its nests.The ant displays a repertoire of amicable behaviors toward the aphids,including their transport.I examined whether L.flavus preferentially carried some of the root aphids.Using a no-choice and a choice experiment,I comparatively analyzed the transport rate of 5 obligate and one loosely associated species back to the ant nest and used the transport rate of the ant larvae as a reference.All associated root aphids were carried back to the nest,but in a clear preferential hierarchy.Geoica utricularia,Forda Formicaria,and Trama rara were rapidly transported,but slower than the own larvae.Tetraneura ulmi and Geoica setulosa were collected at a moderate rate and the loosely associated Aploneura lentisci was slowly retrieved.In contrast,different species of unassociated aphids were not transported and even provoked aggressive behavior in L.flavus.This study revealed that co-occurring symbionts may induce different degrees of host attraction,which ultimately may affect the coexistence and assembly of ant-symbiont communities.
