Individual food source fidelity in the neotropical ponerine antEctatomma ruidumRoger (Hymenoptera Formicidae)

Abstract

Foragers of the ponerine ant Ectatomma ruidum Roger can be classified into two behavioural subcastes: prey-hunting and nectar-collecting ants. Observations on foraging activities of nectar-collecting workers specialized on the extrafloral nectaries of the orchid, Spathoglotis plicata, were made in a neotropical forest located in Guadeloupe, using marked ants. Although foraging activity was mainly diurnal, the activity rhythm of these specialized workers showed a shift at the end of the afternoon, before sunset. Most foragers come back to the nest at this time but, by contrast, those collecting nectar on orchids increase their activity. This increase is linked with the secretion cycle of extrafloral nectaries which exhibit a strong activity at this time. Behavioural and ecological implications of the spatial and temporal learning involved in this food site fidelity are discussed.