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Bota JL, Schöner MG, Schöner CR, Eberhard MJB. Rustling ants: Vibrational communication performed by two Camponotus species in Borneo. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 70:101172. [PMID: 35810530 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between ants and plants are classic examples of cooperation between individuals of different species. Usually, plants provide shelter or food for ants and in turn are defended against herbivores by their insect allies. To coordinate attacks, ants use multi-modal alarm signals consisting of vibrational and chemical components. This can also be observed in Borneo, where two Camponotus species inhabit the ocreas (diverging, tubular leaf sheaths) of the rattan palm Korthalsia robusta. When ants are disturbed, they beat or scratch mandibles and abdomens on the plant surface resulting in loud rustling sounds. To describe the characteristics of these signals, we recorded them with a Laser-Doppler-vibrometer in the field. Analyses of temporal patterns and dominant frequency revealed that the signals of the two species differ fundamentally. To assess transmission characteristics of the rattan palm, we conducted experiments under controlled lab-conditions. We show that the ocrea is an adequate structure for converting airborne sound into substrate vibrations, acting as a mediator between these two modalities. We hypothesize that the ants' vibratory signal has multiple functions, with the substrate-borne component used as an alarm signal for conspecifics, and the airborne component acting as vibro-acoustic aposematism against predators or herbivores to protect the host plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien L Bota
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer-Str. 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael G Schöner
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer-Str. 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Sensory and Cognitive Ecology, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama
| | - Caroline R Schöner
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer-Str. 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Monika J B Eberhard
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer-Str. 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
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2
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Byrne B, de Kort SR, Pedley SM. Leafcutter ants adjust foraging behaviours when exposed to noise disturbance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269517. [PMID: 35675369 PMCID: PMC9176835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate the impact of anthropogenic noise on the foraging efficiency of leafcutter ants (Acromyrmex octospinosus) in a controlled laboratory experiment. Anthropogenic noise is a widespread, pervasive and increasing environmental pollutant and its negative impacts on animal fitness and behaviour have been well documented. Much of this evidence has come from studies concerning vertebrate species with very little evidence for terrestrial invertebrates, especially social living invertebrates. We compare movement speed, forage fragment size, and colony activity levels of ants exposed to intermittent elevated noise and in ambient noise conditions. We use intermittent and temporally unpredictable bursts of white noise produced from a vibration speaker to create the elevated noise profile. Ant movement speed increased under elevated noise conditions when travelling to collect forage material and when returning to the colony nest. The size of individually measured foraged material was significantly reduced under elevated noise conditions. Colony activity, the number of ants moving along the forage route, was not affected by elevated noise and was consistent throughout the foraging events. Increased foraging speed and smaller forage fragments suggests that the ants had to make more foraging trips over an extended period, which is likely to affect energy expenditure and increases exposure to predators. This is likely to have significant fitness impacts for the colony over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Byrne
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Selvino R. de Kort
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Scott M. Pedley
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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3
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Peña Carrillo KI, Lorenzi MC, Brault M, Devienne P, Lachaud JP, Pavan G, Poteaux C. A new putative species in the Ectatomma ruidum complex (Formicidae: Ectatomminae) produces a species-specific distress call. BIOACOUSTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2021.1938226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenzy I. Peña Carrillo
- LEEC-Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale Et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
- Campo Experimental General Terán, INIFAP-Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agricolas y Pecuarias, General Terán, NL, México
| | - María Cristina Lorenzi
- LEEC-Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale Et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Maxence Brault
- LEEC-Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale Et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Paul Devienne
- LEEC-Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale Et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jean-Paul Lachaud
- Depto. De Conservación De La Biodiversidad, El Colegio De La Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, México
- Centre De Recherches Sur La Cognition Animale, Centre De Biologie Intégrative, Université De Toulouse CNRS, UPS, Toulouse Cedex 09, France
| | - Gianni Pavan
- Centro Interdisciplinare Di Bioacustica E Ricerche Ambientali, Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Terra E dell’Ambiente, Università Degli Studi Di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chantal Poteaux
- LEEC-Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale Et Comparée, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
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Masoni A, Frizzi F, Nieri R, Casacci LP, Mazzoni V, Turillazzi S, Santini G. Ants modulate stridulatory signals depending on the behavioural context. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5933. [PMID: 33723279 PMCID: PMC7970987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect societies require an effective communication system to coordinate members' activities. Although eusocial species primarily use chemical communication to convey information to conspecifics, there is increasing evidence suggesting that vibroacoustic communication plays a significant role in the behavioural contexts of colony life. In this study, we sought to determine whether stridulation can convey information in ant societies. We tested three main hypotheses using the Mediterranean ant Crematogaster scutellaris: (i) stridulation informs about the emitter'caste; (ii) workers can modulate stridulation based on specific needs, such as communicating the profitability of a food resource, or (iii) behavioural contexts. We recorded the stridulations of individuals from the three castes, restrained on a substrate, and the signals emitted by foragers workers feeding on honey drops of various sizes. Signals emitted by workers and sexuates were quantitatively and qualitatively distinct as was stridulation emitted by workers on different honey drops. Comparing across the experimental setups, we demonstrated that signals emitted in different contexts (restraining vs feeding) differed in emission patterns as well as certain parameters (dominant frequency, amplitude, duration of chirp). Our findings suggest that vibrational signaling represents a flexible communication channel paralleling the well-known chemical communication system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Masoni
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F. Frizzi
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R. Nieri
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy ,grid.424414.30000 0004 1755 6224Research and Innovation Center, Sustainable Ecosystems and Bioresources, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All’Adige, Italy
| | - L. P. Casacci
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Turin University, Turin, Italy ,grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - V. Mazzoni
- grid.424414.30000 0004 1755 6224Research and Innovation Center, Sustainable Ecosystems and Bioresources, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All’Adige, Italy
| | - S. Turillazzi
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G. Santini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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5
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Casacci LP, Bonelli S, Balletto E, Barbero F. Multimodal Signaling in Myrmecophilous Butterflies. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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6
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Imam A, Bhagwandin A, Ajao MS, Spocter MA, Manger PR. The brain of the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). VI. The brainstem and cerebellum. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2440-2473. [PMID: 31152436 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The brainstem (midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata) and cerebellum (diencephalic prosomere 1 through to rhombomere 11) play central roles in the processing of sensorimotor information, autonomic activity, levels of awareness and the control of functions external to the conscious cognitive world of mammals. As such, comparative analyses of these structures, especially the understanding of specializations or reductions of structures with functions that have been elucidated in commonly studied mammalian species, can provide crucial information for our understanding of the behavior of less commonly studied species, like pangolins. In the broadest sense, the nuclear complexes and subdivisions of nuclear complexes, the topographical arrangement, the neuronal chemistry, and fiber pathways of the tree pangolin conform to that typically observed across more commonly studied mammalian species. Despite this, variations in regions associated with the locus coeruleus complex, auditory system, and motor, neuromodulatory and autonomic systems involved in feeding, were observed in the current study. While we have previously detailed the unusual locus coeruleus complex of the tree pangolin, the superior olivary nuclear complex of the auditory system, while not exhibiting additional nuclei or having an altered organization, this nuclear complex, particularly the lateral superior olivary nucleus and nucleus of the trapezoid body, shows architectonic refinement. The cephalic decussation of the pyramidal tract, an enlarged hypoglossal nucleus, an additional subdivision of the serotonergic raphe obscurus nucleus, and the expansion of the superior salivatory nucleus, all indicate neuronal specializations related to the myrmecophagous diet of the pangolins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminu Imam
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Moyosore S Ajao
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad A Spocter
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
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7
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Imam A, Bhagwandin A, Ajao MS, Manger PR. The brain of the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). V. The diencephalon and hypothalamus. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2413-2439. [PMID: 30592046 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The diencephalon (dorsal thalamus, ventral thalamus, and epithalamus) and the hypothalamus, play central roles in the processing of the majority of neural information within the central nervous system. Given the interactions of the diencephalon and hypothalamus with virtually all portions of the central nervous system, the comparative analysis of these regions lend key insights into potential neural, evolutionary, and behavioral specializations in different species. Here, we continue our analysis of the brain of the tree pangolin by providing a comprehensive description of the organization of the diencephalon and hypothalamus using a range of standard and immunohistochemical staining methods. In general, the diencephalon and hypothalamus of the tree pangolin follow the organization typically observed across mammals. No unusual structural configurations of the ventral thalamus, epithalamus, or hypothalamus were noted. Within the dorsal thalamus, the vast majority of typically identified nuclear groups and component nuclei were observed. The visual portion of the tree pangolin dorsal thalamus appears to be organized in a manner not dissimilar to that seen in most nonprimate and noncarnivore mammals, and lacks certain features that are present in the closely related carnivores. Within the ventral medial geniculate nucleus, a modular organization, revealed with parvalbumin neuropil immunostaining, is suggestive of specialized auditory processing in the tree pangolin. In addition, a potential absence of hypothalamic cholinergic neurons is suggestive of unusual patterns of sleep. These observations are discussed in an evolutionary and functional framework regarding the phylogeny and life history of the pangolins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminu Imam
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Moyosore S Ajao
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
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8
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Alma AM, Farji-Brener AG, Elizalde L. Phorid parasitoid attack triggers specific defensive behaviours and collaborative responses in leaf-cutting ants. Behav Processes 2019; 165:36-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Schönrogge K, Barbero F, Casacci L, Settele J, Thomas J. Acoustic communication within ant societies and its mimicry by mutualistic and socially parasitic myrmecophiles. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Elkamel A, Gzara M, Ben-Abdallah H. A bio-inspired hierarchical clustering algorithm with backtracking strategy. APPL INTELL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10489-014-0573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Variation in butterfly larval acoustics as a strategy to infiltrate and exploit host ant colony resources. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94341. [PMID: 24718496 PMCID: PMC3981827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
About 10,000 arthropods live as ants' social parasites and have evolved a number of mechanisms allowing them to penetrate and survive inside the ant nests. Many of them can intercept and manipulate their host communication systems. This is particularly important for butterflies of the genus Maculinea, which spend the majority of their lifecycle inside Myrmica ant nests. Once in the colony, caterpillars of Maculinea “predatory species” directly feed on the ant larvae, while those of “cuckoo species” are fed primarily by attendance workers, by trophallaxis. It has been shown that Maculinea cuckoo larvae are able to reach a higher social status within the colony's hierarchy by mimicking the acoustic signals of their host queen ants. In this research we tested if, when and how myrmecophilous butterflies may change sound emissions depending on their integration level and on stages of their life cycle. We studied how a Maculinea predatory species (M. teleius) can acoustically interact with their host ants and highlighted differences with respect to a cuckoo species (M. alcon). We recorded sounds emitted by Maculinea larvae as well as by their Myrmica hosts, and performed playback experiments to assess the parasites' capacity to interfere with the host acoustic communication system. We found that, although varying between and within butterfly species, the larval acoustic emissions are more similar to queens' than to workers' stridulations. Nevertheless playback experiments showed that ant workers responded most strongly to the sounds emitted by the integrated (i.e. post-adoption) larvae of the cuckoo species, as well as by those of predatory species recorded before any contact with the host ants (i.e. in pre-adoption), thereby revealing the role of acoustic signals both in parasite integration and in adoption rituals. We discuss our findings in the broader context of parasite adaptations, comparing effects of acoustical and chemical mimicry.
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Oberst S, Baro EN, Lai JCS, Evans TA. Quantifying ant activity using vibration measurements. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90902. [PMID: 24658467 PMCID: PMC3962336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ant behaviour is of great interest due to their sociality. Ant behaviour is typically observed visually, however there are many circumstances where visual observation is not possible. It may be possible to assess ant behaviour using vibration signals produced by their physical movement. We demonstrate through a series of bioassays with different stimuli that the level of activity of meat ants (Iridomyrmex purpureus) can be quantified using vibrations, corresponding to observations with video. We found that ants exposed to physical shaking produced the highest average vibration amplitudes followed by ants with stones to drag, then ants with neighbours, illuminated ants and ants in darkness. In addition, we devised a novel method based on wavelet decomposition to separate the vibration signal owing to the initial ant behaviour from the substrate response, which will allow signals recorded from different substrates to be compared directly. Our results indicate the potential to use vibration signals to classify some ant behaviours in situations where visual observation could be difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Oberst
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Enrique Nava Baro
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Departamento de Ingeniera de Comunicaciones, Escuela Tecnica Supérior de Ingeniería Telecomunicación, Campus de Teatinos s/n, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Joseph C. S. Lai
- Acoustics & Vibration Unit, School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Theodore A. Evans
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Polidori C, Pavan G, Ruffato G, Asís JD, Tormos J. Common features and species-specific differences in stridulatory organs and stridulation patterns of velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae). ZOOL ANZ 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Polidori C, Ruffato G, Borruso L, Settanni C, Pavan G. Stridulatory organ and distress call in males and females of a small velvet ant (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae). BIOACOUSTICS 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2012.736241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Casacci LP, Thomas JA, Sala M, Treanor D, Bonelli S, Balletto E, Schönrogge K. Ant pupae employ acoustics to communicate social status in their colony's hierarchy. Curr Biol 2013; 23:323-7. [PMID: 23394832 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The possession of an efficient communication system and an ability to distinguish between young stages are essential attributes that enable eusocial insects to live in complex integrated societies. Although ants communicate primarily via chemicals, it is increasingly clear that acoustical signals also convey important information, including status, between adults in many species. However, all immature stages were believed to be mute. We confirm that larvae and recently formed pupae of Myrmica ants are mute, yet once they are sclerotized, the pupae possess a fully functioning stridulatory organ. The sounds generated by worker pupae were similar to those of workers but were emitted as single pulses rather than in the long sequences characteristic of adults; both induced the same range and intensity of benevolent behaviors when played back to unstressed workers. Both white and sclerotized pupae have a higher social status than larvae within Myrmica colonies, but the latter's status fell significantly after they were made mute. Our results suggest that acoustical signals supplant semiochemicals as a means of identification in sclerotized pupae, perhaps because their hardened integuments block the secretion of brood pheromones or because their developing adult secretions initially differ from overall colony odors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca P Casacci
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Pijanowski BC, Villanueva-Rivera LJ, Dumyahn SL, Farina A, Krause BL, Napoletano BM, Gage SH, Pieretti N. Soundscape Ecology: The Science of Sound in the Landscape. Bioscience 2011. [DOI: 10.1525/bio.2011.61.3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 581] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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17
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Ferreira RS, Poteaux C, Delabie JHC, Fresneau D, Rybak F. Stridulations reveal cryptic speciation in neotropical sympatric ants. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15363. [PMID: 21203529 PMCID: PMC3008743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomic challenge posed by cryptic species underlines the importance of using multiple criteria in species delimitation. In the current paper we tested the use of acoustic analysis as a tool to assess the real diversity in a cryptic species complex of Neotropical ants. In order to understand the potential of acoustics and to improve consistency in the conclusions by comparing different approaches, phylogenetic relationships of all the morphs considered were assessed by the analysis of a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b. We observed that each of the cryptic morph studied presents a morphologically distinct stridulatory organ and that all sympatric morphs produce distinctive stridulations. This is the first evidence of such a degree of specialization in the acoustic organ and signals in ants, which suggests that stridulations may be among the cues used by these ants during inter-specific interactions. Mitochondrial DNA variation corroborated the acoustic differences observed, confirming acoustics as a helpful tool to determine cryptic species in this group of ants, and possibly in stridulating ants in general. Congruent morphological, acoustic and genetic results constitute sufficient evidence to propose each morph studied here as a valid new species, suggesting that P. apicalis is a complex of at least 6 to 9 species, even if they present different levels of divergence. Finally, our results highlight that ant stridulations may be much more informative than hitherto thought, as much for ant communication as for integrative taxonomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronara Souza Ferreira
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC EA 4443, Université Paris 13, Villetaneuse, France.
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Barbero F, Bonelli S, Thomas JA, Balletto E, Schönrogge K. Acoustical mimicry in a predatory social parasite of ants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 212:4084-90. [PMID: 19946088 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.032912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rapid, effective communication between colony members is a key attribute that enables ants to live in dominant, fiercely protected societies. Their signals, however, may be mimicked by other insects that coexist as commensals with ants or interact with them as mutualists or social parasites. We consider the role of acoustics in ant communication and its exploitation by social parasites. Social parasitism has been studied mainly in the butterfly genus Maculinea, the final instar larvae of which are host-specific parasites of Myrmica ants, preying either on ant grubs (predatory Maculinea) or being fed by trophallaxis (cuckoo Maculinea). We found similar significant differences between the stridulations of model queen and worker ant castes in both Myrmica sabuleti and Myrmica scabrinodis to that previously reported for Myrmica schencki. However, the sounds made by queens of all three Myrmica species were indistinguishable, and among workers, stridulations did not differ significantly in two of three species-pairs tested. Sounds recorded from the predatory caterpillars and pupae of Maculinea arion had similar or closer patterns to the acoustics of their host Myrmica sabuleti than those previously reported for the cuckoo Maculinea rebeli and its host Myrmica schencki, even though Maculinea rebeli caterpillars live more intimately with their host. We conclude that chemical mimicry enables Maculinea larvae to be accepted as colony members by worker ants, but that caterpillars and pupae of both predatory and cuckoo butterflies employ acoustical mimicry of queen ant calls to elevate their status towards the highest attainable position within their host's social hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barbero
- Department of Animal and Human Biology, University of Turin, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Barbero F, Thomas JA, Bonelli S, Balletto E, Schönrogge K. Queen ants make distinctive sounds that are mimicked by a butterfly social parasite. Science 2009; 323:782-5. [PMID: 19197065 DOI: 10.1126/science.1163583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Ants dominate terrestrial ecosystems through living in complex societies whose organization is maintained via sophisticated communication systems. The role of acoustics in information exchange may be underestimated. We show that Myrmica schencki queens generate distinctive sounds that elicit increased benevolent responses from workers, reinforcing their supreme social status. Although fiercely defended by workers, ant societies are infiltrated by specialist insects that exploit their resources. Sounds produced by pupae and larvae of the parasitic butterfly Maculinea rebeli mimic those of queen ants more closely than those of workers, enabling them to achieve high status within ant societies. We conclude that acoustical mimicry provides another route for infiltration for approximately 10,000 species of social parasites that cheat ant societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Barbero
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo Laboratorio di Zoologia, Turin, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Mechanoreceptive function of pectines in the Brazilian yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus: perception of substrate-borne vibrations and prey detection. Acta Ethol 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-006-0021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Akay A. Acoustics of friction. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2002; 111:1525-1548. [PMID: 12002837 DOI: 10.1121/1.1456514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This article presents an overview of the acoustics of friction by covering friction sounds, friction-induced vibrations and waves in solids, and descriptions of other frictional phenomena related to acoustics. Friction, resulting from the sliding contact of solids, often gives rise to diverse forms of waves and oscillations within solids which frequently lead to radiation of sound to the surrounding media. Among the many everyday examples of friction sounds, violin music and brake noise in automobiles represent the two extremes in terms of the sounds they produce and the mechanisms by which they are generated. Of the multiple examples of friction sounds in nature, insect sounds are prominent. Friction also provides a means by which energy dissipation takes place at the interface of solids. Friction damping that develops between surfaces, such as joints and connections, in some cases requires only microscopic motion to dissipate energy. Modeling of friction-induced vibrations and friction damping in mechanical systems requires an accurate description of friction for which only approximations exist. While many of the components that contribute to friction can be modeled, computational requirements become prohibitive for their contemporaneous calculation. Furthermore, quantification of friction at the atomic scale still remains elusive. At the atomic scale, friction becomes a mechanism that converts the kinetic energy associated with the relative motion of surfaces to thermal energy. However, the description of the conversion to thermal energy represented by a disordered state of oscillations of atoms in a solid is still not well understood. At the macroscopic level, friction interacts with the vibrations and waves that it causes. Such interaction sets up a feedback between the friction force and waves at the surfaces, thereby making friction and surface motion interdependent. Such interdependence forms the basis for friction-induced motion as in the case of ultrasonic motors and other examples. Last, when considered phenomenologically, friction and boundary layer turbulence exhibit analogous properties and, when compared, each may provide clues to a better understanding of the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Akay
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Roces F, Tautz J. Ants are deaf. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2001; 109:3080-3083. [PMID: 11425153 DOI: 10.1121/1.1370085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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Ball P. Close encounters. Nature 2000. [DOI: 10.1038/news001019-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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