Seasonal patterns in the orientation system of the migratory ant Pachycondyla marginata

Naturwissenschaften. 2001 Aug;88(8):343-6. doi: 10.1007/s001140100245.

Abstract

Route directions of migrations by the neotropical termite-hunting ant Pachycondyla marginata at a forest reserve in Southeast Brazil were analysed by circular statistic. Colony movement patterns were compared between the rainy/hot and dry/cold seasons. Migrations during the dry/cold season are significantly oriented 13 degrees with the magnetic North-South axis, while rainy/hot migrations do not exhibit a preferred direction. This result is discussed considering the hypothesis that P. marginata ants may use the geomagnetic field as an orientation cue for migrations in the dry/cold season. The presence of magnetic iron oxides in the head and abdomen of P. marginata is consistent with this suggestion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ants / physiology*
  • Brazil
  • Cold Temperature
  • Geological Phenomena
  • Geology
  • Hot Temperature
  • Magnetics
  • Orientation / physiology*
  • Rain
  • Seasons*