Myrmecophiles of Pachycondyla javana (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Date Issued
2005
Date
2005
Author(s)
Chen, Chih-Wei
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
Myrmecophile means the organism symbiotic with ants of which depends on diverse degrees of relationship. There were quite few studies on this topic in Taiwan. Pachycondyla javana (Mayr), which belongs to the third dominant ant subfamily Ponerinae, is a widely distributed and soil-habitated predator in Taiwan. This research surveyed the myrmecophiles of P. javana by field collections and then discussed with the mechanisms. Until now there are 10 coleopteran species were found relative to P. javana. Pselaphine beetles which belong to tribe Batrisini are at most in richness, and the others are larger pselaphids such as Awas shunichii Nomura, or staphylinids and carabids. In order to discriminate the colony odors between the ants and their myrmecophiles, cuticular hydrocarbons (HCs) from both insects were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that their HCs are not similar and have different significant compounds. The behavioral experiments showed the Batristilbus pselaphids tended to avoid contact with the workers, and some times the beetles even under attack. These suggest that the further interactions with the hosts and chemical mimicry of the beetles are absent, so that these pselaphids should be regarded as facultative synoeketes.
Subjects
喜蟻動物
爪哇粗針蟻
myrmecophile
Pachycondyla javana
Type
thesis
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