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Springer Verlag, Insectes Sociaux, 3(41), p. 331-333

DOI: 10.1007/bf01242305

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Nest site selection by fire ant queens

Journal article published in 1994 by M. Kaspari ORCID, E. L. Vargo
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Abstract

We examined nest site selection by foundresses of the polygyne form ofSolenopsis invicta. In the laboratory, foundresses were allowed to nest in control soil vs. soil inoculated with refuse from a colony ofPheidole dentata, a natural enemy. In a second experiment foundresses chose between control andS. invicta soil. More foundresses (100%) avoided the soil of a natural enemy than the soil of a conspecific colony (79%) that may accept them into the nest. Foundresses from this polygyne ant appear to avoid other colonies in general, but avoid heterospecific colonies more.