Abstract
In investigating the antennal positions and movements associated with the transfer of substance from one worker ant to another, during trophallactic contacts, the question arises as to whether these different positions and movements act as particular singals. In Camponotus vagus, these behavioural units are organized into sequences. There is no stereotypy in the sequences: recordings show great variability, particularly in the donor ant. On the other hand, differences in the organization of sequences and in their variability were seen to be related to the worker's social function (forager or broodtender worker). Trophallactic behaviour in the two partners was analysed using different methods (slow motion film with frame by frame analysis; use of radioelements with simultaneous recording of trophallactic flux and antennal movements; cross-correlogrammes). No definite system of signals and responses corresponding to antennal movements was found to underly the ant's trophallactic behaviour. But it does not exclude that the antennæ activity as a whole, owing to its structure may have a function in communication.
Translated title of the contribution | Have the antennal activities during trophallaxis in Camponotus vagus Scop. a signal value? |
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Original language | French |
Pages (from-to) | 113-131 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Insectes Sociaux |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1984 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Insect Science