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Racial Discrimination in Ants: Effects of Cohabitation in Behaviors of Linepithema humile and Prenolepis imparis

CSEF · 2012 Zoology Honorable_mention Award

Yi Jung Robin Park · Palos Verdes High School, Palos Verdes Estates, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective was to test whether ants of two different species could be made to coexist peacefully with members of the other species. Methods/Materials 60 members of each species, L. humile and P. imparis, were collected. 20 L. humile ants and 20 P. imparis ants were placed in separate environments that were recreated to represent each of their natural habitats. 20 members of each species were then intermixed in an environment that was recreated to suit L. humile ants. The remaining 20 of each species were intermixed in an environment that was recreated to suit P. imparis ants. Results Within their own habitats, both ant species were mobile and interactive. In the habitat that favored L. humile ants, the L. humile ants first segregated themselves into a small area of the container and avoided interactions with the widespread P. imparis ants. After a period of three days however, the ants achieved a peaceful coexistence. In the habitat that favored P. imparis ants, the L. humile ants remained scattered and immobile, refusing to touch the nesting substrate. The P. imparis ants killed all of the L. humile ants within 17 hours. Conclusions/Discussion Prolonged exposure to environmental substances causes changes in an ant's Cuticular Hydrocarbon Composition, the main nestmate recognition tool among ants. The uneven distribution of chemical cues is shown in the greater hostility expressed by P. imparis ants in the second environment, in which the L. humile ants refused to touch the nesting material. It can be stipulated that greater dominance is asserted in familiar habitats rather than in foreign ones.

Summary statement

Peaceful coexistence between two ant species during cohabitation can only be established when they are placed in a habitat that is recreated to suit the less dominant species.

Help received

Dr. Phil Ward of UC Davis helped confirm the species of ants via email and photos; Mother helped take photos of the ants

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2012 Zoology · Entry S2209

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