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Colony growth in Myrmica rubra with supplementation of myrmecochorous seeds
Author(s) -
Fokuhl Gerriet,
Heinze Jürgen,
Poschlod Peter
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1007/s11284-006-0331-2
Subject(s) - biology , botany
Myrmecochory is an important ant–plant relationship, which presumably has benefits for the reproductive success of ant colonies through the nutritional value of elaiosomes. In a feeding experiment, we provided elaiosomes of Scilla bifolia and Corydalis cava to colonies of Myrmica rubra . Seeds were transported by ant workers to their nests and the elaiosomes were removed afterwards. After 3 months, elaiosome‐supplemented colonies contained significantly more worker pupae than control colonies, whereas the number of new female sexuals was reduced. This result is discussed as a possible long‐term benefit for M. rubra colonies through myrmecochory by colony growth.