GAMERGATE REPRODUCTION IN THE ANT STREBLOGNATHUS-AETHIOPICUS SMITH (HYMENOPTERA, FORMICIDAE, PONERINAE)

We examined morphological and behavioral features of the reproductive biology of the ponerine ant, Streblognathus aethiopicus. Investigation of the ant's ovaries and spermathecae showed that each colony had a single reproductive (= gamergate). Morphologically this individual could not be distinguished from her nestmates, while the only clear-cut behavioural difference between the gamergate and workers was that the former laid eggs. Experimental removal of the gamergate from colonies resulted in the enlargement of the ovaries in some of the workers. This appears to show that the reproductive is able to suppress reproductive activity of her nestmates. © 1990 Masson.