Discrimination in Ants: Effects of Varying Territorial Distribution on Cohabitation of L. humile and P. imparis

Overview

Objectives/Goals In this research, the effect of varying territorial distribution on the cohabitation of the two species in conflict was tested. Methods/Materials Because the ants previously displayed high levels of aggression when equal numbers of both species were placed into a single habitat, unequal numbers of ants were injected into the environments (based on a pilot study): 20 L. humile and 4 P. imparis. Two separate environments were created using clear plastic jars (diameter: 6 in) topped with a layer of punctured aluminum foil. Territory was distributed using food (2 g of diced pear). In group 1, the food was spread out over the entire bottom of the container. L. humile was placed into the environment first. In group 2, the food was placed into a separate, open plastic container in the habitat (diameter: 1.5 in), and P. imparis was placed outside the container. The frequency of visits and average duration of stay (in the L. humile territory) per P. imparis ant were recorded over four hours and statistically analyzed between groups. Results In group 1, the outnumbered P. imparis traveled up to the ceiling, coming down quickly to eat and ascending again. In group 2, any L. humile ant venturing into the P. imparis territory was targeted. In each group, the frequency of visits and average duration of stay significantly increased over time (p < 0.05). While group 1 showed more increase in visits than group 2 (p < 0.01), the overall duration of stay between the groups was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Conclusions/Discussion The more frequent visits in group 1 can partially be attributed to the larger territory possessed by L. humile; there is a higher chance that the L. humile chemical cues were spread over a larger area, due to the territorial distribution. Thus, there was probably a higher chance for CHC exchange, eliminating cues for discrimination. Despite the difference in rates of frequencies, statistical analysis demonstrated that the overall duration of stays of P. imparis were not significantly different. This could be attributed to the natural biorhythms of the ants. Results support that when a larger group of L. humile and a smaller group of P. imparis are cohabitating, the likelihood of peaceful cohabitation increases when the L. humile territory is larger.

Awards (1)

• Honorable Mention

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Zoology · Entry S2210

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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