Post by Deleted on May 18, 2012 0:17:28 GMT 1
Hey guys,
In recent years, particularly with Lasius species in the U.K. I have noted that they seem to develop 'soldiers' of a certain description.
I first observed this in the lake district in a colony of Lasius flavus. I lifted a large stone and found that ants much larger, bulky, muscley (heads) were present compared to their much more typical flavus sisters. If I were in a much warmer climate in south Europe I would have certainly classified them as soldiers as is typical in some species found there. The colony seemed to be very old, by this I mean they were firmly established, there were countless ants and brood beyond measure. The queen was also present, because of how remote the area I was in, they had never been disturbed, I presume she felt no need to be deep underground. She was very swollen and her abdomen distended, the fattest, healthiest queen I have seen to date, also darker in colour showing her age.
The area I visted was rife with ants, every stone or log you turned over there was a colony under it. Species ranging from Formica, Lasius, Myrmica and even a rare Solenopsis fugax colony that are few and far between in the U.K. Perhaps an adaptation that the flavus colony had used to retain their perimiter from the other neighbouring ant species?
The second instance of this I have noted was with a Lasius niger colony. Again workers much bigger than their sisters seemed to have a defensive role, larger muscley heads similar to that of soldiers. Again in an area that had alot of ant colonys surrounding it.
It is my theory that Lasius as a genus is capable of producing a 'soldier' like class as a means of defence from other colonies in the U.K. There is no doubt in my mind that this species is undergoing an evolutionary stage in which a 'soldier' caste is being very slowly introduced.
Though I do accept this is not a common occurance in every colony and indeed appears only in a select few colonys that in my oppinion have to meet specific requirements:1) The colony must be of a certain age to be able to produce a 'soldier' caste. 2) The colony must have reason or causation to produce a 'soldier' caste, by this I mean substancial surrounding rival colonys or perhaps a larger prey type specifically targeted by the ants of the colony or a predator that the ants need to oppose. 3) The ants must have a substancial supply of protein in order for the 'soldier' caste to be created, in addition to the protein used to produce winged males and queens.
It is unfortunate that I sadly don't have a picture of the 'soldier' caste in question, but if return to the lake district I will be sure to go back to the colony and take macro shots of the caste in question, so that you yourselves can make a judgement.
That concludes my little 'discovery' if you like, if you could please leave any feedback or comments that would be great. Or even better tell me if you yourself have seen this illusive 'Soldier' caste!!!!
Thanks for reading
In recent years, particularly with Lasius species in the U.K. I have noted that they seem to develop 'soldiers' of a certain description.
I first observed this in the lake district in a colony of Lasius flavus. I lifted a large stone and found that ants much larger, bulky, muscley (heads) were present compared to their much more typical flavus sisters. If I were in a much warmer climate in south Europe I would have certainly classified them as soldiers as is typical in some species found there. The colony seemed to be very old, by this I mean they were firmly established, there were countless ants and brood beyond measure. The queen was also present, because of how remote the area I was in, they had never been disturbed, I presume she felt no need to be deep underground. She was very swollen and her abdomen distended, the fattest, healthiest queen I have seen to date, also darker in colour showing her age.
The area I visted was rife with ants, every stone or log you turned over there was a colony under it. Species ranging from Formica, Lasius, Myrmica and even a rare Solenopsis fugax colony that are few and far between in the U.K. Perhaps an adaptation that the flavus colony had used to retain their perimiter from the other neighbouring ant species?
The second instance of this I have noted was with a Lasius niger colony. Again workers much bigger than their sisters seemed to have a defensive role, larger muscley heads similar to that of soldiers. Again in an area that had alot of ant colonys surrounding it.
It is my theory that Lasius as a genus is capable of producing a 'soldier' like class as a means of defence from other colonies in the U.K. There is no doubt in my mind that this species is undergoing an evolutionary stage in which a 'soldier' caste is being very slowly introduced.
Though I do accept this is not a common occurance in every colony and indeed appears only in a select few colonys that in my oppinion have to meet specific requirements:1) The colony must be of a certain age to be able to produce a 'soldier' caste. 2) The colony must have reason or causation to produce a 'soldier' caste, by this I mean substancial surrounding rival colonys or perhaps a larger prey type specifically targeted by the ants of the colony or a predator that the ants need to oppose. 3) The ants must have a substancial supply of protein in order for the 'soldier' caste to be created, in addition to the protein used to produce winged males and queens.
It is unfortunate that I sadly don't have a picture of the 'soldier' caste in question, but if return to the lake district I will be sure to go back to the colony and take macro shots of the caste in question, so that you yourselves can make a judgement.
That concludes my little 'discovery' if you like, if you could please leave any feedback or comments that would be great. Or even better tell me if you yourself have seen this illusive 'Soldier' caste!!!!
Thanks for reading