The foraging behavior of the ant Myrmica laevinodis Nyl.

Abstract

The foraging territory is not divided among particular foragers, at least in the young, small families of M. laevinodis. The same individuals may be observed repeatedly only at the aphides over a period of several days, which may be explained by a transient memorizing of the source of attractive food. Along with the faculty of these ants to inform their nestmates of the food source, a certain continuity in care of the aphides is ensured. Various forms of behavior among particular foragers coming in contact with the trophy exceeding their strength were noted. The less time the ant hesitates before to the nest, the sooner and more efficiently it recruits helpers and the smaller is its dependence on its own odor trails when moving on the terrain. Since there exist transitory forms between diametrically opposite manifestations of such behavior, possibly the process of individual acquirement of capabilities necessary for fulfilling foraging function occurs.