Asian Myrmecology: Archive - Volume 12

ASIAN
MYRMECOLOGY

online first (online version of paper published before print issue)

DOI: 10.20362/am.013007
Asian Myrmecology 13: e013007 (1-18)
article first published online: 31/December/2021

Reproductive differentiation and conflicts in Diacamma: A model system for integrative sociobiology

Abstract:

The ponerine queenless ant genus Diacamma has attracted attention for its unique mode of reproductive differentiation through mutilation of the thoracic appendage, gemma, after emergence of monomorphic females. I will begin this review with a description of the scientific history of the discovery of this differentiation mechanism, followed by a review and discussion of the ontogenetic origins, physiological and behavioral effects, and adaptive significance of the gemma and mutilation. Next, I will discuss the adaptive significance of helper-worker reproduction and its regulatory mechanisms. The gene-eyes-view implications of prolonged mating, another unique characteristic of this genus, are also discussed. Finally, the physiology and molecular biology of reproductive differentiation and the territorial behavior and nestmate discrimination mechanisms will be briefly reviewed, along with a list of other topics.

Keywords:
Gemma, mutilation, reproductive differentiation, gamergate, worker reproduction, dominance hierarchy, policing, queen pheromone, inclusive fitness, bioamine, gene network

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1Department of Subtropical Agro-Environmental Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan

2The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan

*Corresponding author: tsujik@agr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp


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