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Publication Date

1978

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

The general ethology, miuations, and foraging behavior of Termitopone laevigata (Fr. Smith) of the sub-family Ponerinae were studied for twelve weeks during the rainy season and two weeks during the dry season on Barro Colorado Island, Ianama Can?l Zone. This was supplemented by laboratory work done on the Island, at Smith College, and at the University of Massachusetts.

Terrnitopone laevigata is one of the few ponerine ants to exhibit group predation and nomadism characteristic of advanced social cooperation in legionary ants. The subfamily Ponerinae includes both unspecialized 2nd specialized species and is, therefore, a subfamily potentially important in studies on the development of specialized behavior. The added insight T. laevigata behavior contributes to the development of legionary behavior and the relationship between group predation and nomadism is discussed.

Rights

©1978 Holly A. Downing

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