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Author |
Dejean, A.; Grangier, J.; Leroy, C.; Orivel, J. |
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Title |
Host plant protection by arboreal ants: looking for a pattern in locally induced responses |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Evolutionary Ecology Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Evol. Ecol. Res. |
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Volume |
10 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
1217-1223 |
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Keywords |
aggressiveness; ant-plant relationships; Azteca; biotic defence; induced responses |
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Abstract |
Background: Among arboreal ants, both territorially dominant species and plant-ants (e.g. species associated with myrmecophytes or plants housing them in hollow structures) protect their host trees against defoliators. Yet, locally induced responses, or the recruitment of nest-mates when a worker discovers it wound on its host-tree, were only noted in plant-ants. We wondered whether this might be due to the examination of the phenomenon being restricted to only six plant-ant species belonging to four genera. Based on the ant genus Azteca, a Neotropical group of arboreal species, we compared five species. The territorially dominant, carton-nester A. chartifex, three plant-ant species [A. alfari and A. ovaticeps associated with myrmecophitic Cecropia (Cecropiaceae), and A. bequaerti associated with Tococa guianensis (Melastomataceae)], and A. schimperi thought to be a temporary social parasite of true Cecropia ants. Methods: We artificially inflicted wounds to the foliage of the host tree of the different ant species. We then compared the number of workers on wounded versus control leaves. Results: We noted a locally induced response in the three plant-ant species as well as in the territorially dominant species, but very slightly so in A. schimperi. |
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Address |
[Grangier, Julien; Orivel, Jerome] Univ Toulouse 2, Lab Evolut & Diversite Biol, CNRS, UMR 5174, Toulouse, France, Email: alain.dejean@wanadoo.fr |
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EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY LTD |
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ISSN |
1522-0613 |
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Notes |
ISI:000264041000008 |
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Call Number |
EcoFoG @ eric.marcon @ |
Serial |
119 |
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