The Evolution of Invasiveness in Garden Ants
Author Information
Author(s): Cremer Sylvia, Ugelvig Line V., Drijfhout Falko P., Schlick-Steiner Birgit C., Steiner Florian M., Seifert Bernhard, Hughes David P., Schulz Andreas, Petersen Klaus S., Konrad Heino, Stauffer Christian, Kiran Kadri, Espadaler Xavier, d'Ettorre Patrizia, Aktaç Nihat, Eilenberg Jørgen, Jones Graeme R., Nash David R., Pedersen Jes S., Boomsma Jacobus J.
Primary Institution: Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Are key invasive traits already present in the native range, and if so, are they only selected in novel ecological environments?
Conclusion
The invasive success of L. neglectus relies on a combination of parasite release following introduction and pre-adaptations in mating system, body size, queen number, and recognition efficiency that evolved long before introduction.
Supporting Evidence
- L. neglectus expresses the same supercolonial syndrome as other invasive ants.
- The invasive success of L. neglectus is based on pre-adaptations that evolved in the native range.
- Low aggression among nests of L. neglectus allows free mixing of individuals.
- Parasite prevalence is significantly lower in L. neglectus compared to L. turcicus.
- The study provides insights into the evolution of supercoloniality in garden ants.
Takeaway
Some ants are really good at spreading to new places and taking over, and this study looks at why that happens, especially for a type of ant called Lasius neglectus.
Methodology
The study analyzed behavior, morphology, population genetics, chemical recognition, and parasite load of L. neglectus and its non-invasive sister species L. turcicus.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in sampling locations and environmental factors affecting ant behavior were not fully addressed.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on two species and may not generalize to all invasive ants.
Participant Demographics
The study involved multiple populations of L. neglectus and L. turcicus from various locations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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