Which Ants Are Not Polygynous?
WouterSeveral types of ant species occur in both polygyne and monogyne colonies. While these two types differ in their colony formation, the fundamental mode of reproduction is similar. Polygyne colonies tend to be better adapted to rapidly changing environments. Polygyne colonies also have smaller body sizes and exhibit lower levels of aggressiveness towards non-nestmates.
Polygyne colonies are usually formed by a single queen. The queen lays eggs in a chamber at the end of the burrow. The eggs hatch and the larvae undergo sexualisation. The queen then makes a burrow of three to twelve centimeters in depth. Usually, the queen is accompanied by workers.
Monogyne colonies are formed by one queen per colony. The queen produces all the daughters sexually. These queens mate with male ants from other nests. The queens do not defend their territory and are therefore tolerant of other queens joining the nest.
Polygyne colonies have multiple queens. These queens must form a new colony with other queens. This can lead to reproductive competition among the queens. It is also possible for a single queen to be responsible for multiple colonies.
There are four types of colony formation in ants: independent, dependent, secondary, and polygyny. Ants are divided into three castes, which include males, workers, and queens. Species with polygyny have complex social behavior. They also tend to be opportunistic nesters, exploiting short-lived nest sites.
In addition, polygynous ant species can attack homes with multiple nests. This enables them to have greater population densities than monogynous ants. Some species can also spread beyond their native range. The red imported fire ant was first introduced from South America in the late 1930s. This species is now found in parts of the southern United States.
