Summary
The queen makes a very simple nest structure which appears to be a common design for mostMyrmecia species. However, after the appearance of the first workers the nest structure changes slowly as the colony grows larger to one typical of the species. Although many species, if not all, have a typical nest structure, two basic designs appear evident in theMyrmecia. The first is a simple structure with normally one main shaft, and little or no mound, while the second is a more diffuse and complex structure usually with three or more main shafts and a large mound. Notes on their location, size, and other significant features are given. Details are also given of the adult populations counted in 56 nests representing 20 species and their brood composition. The composition of most colonies appeared to vary seasonally. Larger worker populations were collected in nests with a complex structure than in those with a simple nest structure.
Résumé
La reine construit un nid très simple selon un modèle commun à la plupart des espèces deMyrmecia. Cependant, après l'apparition des premières ouvrières et à mesure que croît la colonie, la structure du nid change lentement pour devenir typique de l'espèce. Bien que beaucoup d'espèces, sinon toutes, aient un nid de structure typique, deux modèles de base caractérisent lesMyrmecia. L'un est simple et consiste habituellement en une cheminée principale et peu ou pas de dôme. L'autre, moins net et plus compliqué, comporte habituellement trois cheminées, ou davantage, et un grand dôme. Des indications sont données sur l'emplacement, la taille et d'autres caractéristiques significatives des nids. Des précisions sont aussi fournies sur les populations adultes dénombrées dans 56 nids représentant 20 espèces et sur la composition du couvain. La composition de la plupart des colonies a changé en fonction de la saison. Les ouvrières ont été récoltées en plus grand nombre dans les nids à structure compliquée que dans les nids simples.
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Gray, B. Nest structure and populations ofMyrmecia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with observations on the capture of prey. Ins. Soc 21, 107–120 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02222983
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02222983