4 replies to this topic

[Antsinohio]

Can alates take their wings off in the nest? I found a Crematogaster cerasi colony and i read they can be polygynous

[Shaye]

Can alates take their wings off in the nest? I found a Crematogaster cerasi colony and i read they can be polygynous

What do you mean by this? Queens must first have a nuptial flight, and polygynous colonies are founded with a group of newly mated queens.

[Shaye]

Also, this question is in the wrong section.

[cpman]

Can alates take their wings off in the nest? I found a Crematogaster cerasi colony and i read they can be polygynous

What do you mean by this? Queens must first have a nuptial flight, and polygynous colonies are founded with a group of newly mated queens.

Not every species has a flight. Some mate in the nest (like a lot of ponerines).

Also, multi queen colony foundation usually isn't how polygyne arises. In many species, it happens when colonies accept newly mated queens into the nest. Some species that are both polygyne and have multi queen colony foundation will still kill all but one when they are young, only to accept more queens subsequently.

[Shaye]

I thought it was more common for it to start with a new group rather than an old colony taking new queens? I knew that tapinoma sessile does that, but was unaware that it is actually the average scenario..

I also just wasn't think about the species that don't have flights.. I know of a common type in particular, in California, but can't think of the name right now. I always found that rather interesting since you would think that genetic diversification by flights might be the most effective course.