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Mutualism between Lasius Ant Species and Stomaphis Aphids in Relation to Social Parasitism among the ants

Depa Łukasz, Vepsäläinen Kari, Rutkowski Tomasz, Czechowski Wojciech

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2022

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Vol. 70, nr 1

44--55

EN

The ant species Lasius (Lasius) brunneus (Latr.) and L. (Dendrolasius) fuliginosus (Latr.) are known mutualists of the myrmecophilous giant tree aphids of the genus Stomaphis Walk. Species of the Lasius subgenus Chthonolasius Ruzs., which live cryptically underground, have not been considered regular mutualists of those aphids. They often nest close to the known mutualists with which they are through their mutual colony developments intimately interrelated – as temporary social parasites of L. brunneus or temporary hosts of L. fuliginosus. Such a constellation raises the question about contacts of L. (Chthonolasius) species with Stomaphis aphids. Here, we describe modes of interaction between L. (Chthonolasius) umbratus (Nyl.) and S. graffii Cholod. which is usually hosted by L. (L.) brunneus. Our field data from Poland and elsewhere in Europe, together with published information, support our view that also L. (Ch.) umbratus and other underground-living species of the subgenus Chthonolasius are true mutualists of Stomaphis which take care of the aphids. Such ants differ by their protective behaviour from ants which prey on or only exploit aphids. The co-occurrence of L. (Chthonolasius) species with Stomaphis aphids has hitherto been relatively rarely reported, which probably is due to the cryptic lifestyle of these ants. We discuss the complex interrelations among the above Lasius F. species which belong to separate levels of social parasitism, and their relations with Stomaphis aphids. We also suggest that L. (Chthonolasius) species, which in the socially-parasitic hierarchy are located between Lasius s. str. and L. (Dendrolasius), may serve as transmitters of Stomaphis aphids from the former to the latter species.

2

Butterfly-ant relationships : host ant specificity of Phengaris 'rebeli' Hirschke (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Pieniny Mts. (Southern Poland)

Sielezniew M., Dziekańska I.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2009

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Vol. 57, nr 2

403-409

EN

Phengaris 'rebeli' Hirschke is a globally threatened obligatorily myrmecophilous and xerothermophilous butterfly. Caterpillars are initially endophytic and feed in flowerheads of Gentiana cruciata L. but they complete their development as social parasites of Myrmica Latr. ants. Relationships with hosts are specific and show geographical variation in Europe. Knowledge on them is vital for effective conservation. In Poland 'P. rebeli' was recorded from a dozen or so sites in the SE part of the country and from one locality in the Pieniny Mts. - a low calcareous mountain range on the Polish-Slovak border that constitutes a distinct geobotanical unit with specific climate and diversity of habitats. Present studies aimed to identify hostants of the butterfly in the Pieniny Mts. A total number of 30 Myrmica colonies were searched in 2008 near larval food plants bearing eggs of 'P. rebeli' in the previous season. We observed caterpillars and pupae of the butterfly exclusively in nests of M. schencki Em., i.e. 4 of 4 of them were infested. However, we did not find prematures of P. 'rebeli' with M. sabuleti Mein., M. rugulosa (Nyl.) and M. rubra (L.) which were also present in the turf. This makes the Pieniny population completely distinct from previously studied populations in SE Poland and similar to those known from Lithuania, France and Spain. It is probably related to the variation in chemical mimicry of P. 'rebeli' caterpillars. Our finding contributes to knowledge on the pattern of host-ant use of the butterfly in Europe and is also important for conservation on a local scale.

3

Do Polyergus rufescens (Latr.) and Formica sanguinea (Latr.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) share resources of slave species with each other?

Czechowski Wojciech

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2007

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Vol. 55, nr 1

169-173

EN

The paper discusses the directionality of slave raids of a colony of Polyergus rufescens (Latr.), an obligate European slave-making ant species, in the presence of colonies of Formica sanguinea Latr., a facultative slave-maker, in the neighbourhood. Both these social parasites use the same host species. The results strongly suggest that P. rufescens avoided raiding the area occupied by its competitor. An explanation is offered based on a demonstrated at the same time tendency of this species to avoid dangerous places.

4

The route of Formica polyctena Forst. as a factor promoting emancipation of Formica fusca L. slaves from colonies of Polyergus rufescens (Latr.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Czechowski Wojciech

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2006

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Vol. 54, nr 1

159-162

EN

Formica fusca L. slaves from colonies of Polyergus rufescens (Latr.) tend to establish small homospecific satellite nests close to a main nest. P. rufescens maintains the integrity of a mixed colony by means of peculiar integration raids (Czechowski 2005). The present paper describes the history of a group of such satellite nests, temporarily separated from the main nest by a foraging route of Formica polyctena Forst. impassable to P. rufescens. The ex-slaves had managed to adopt F. fusca gynes and raised some homospecific worker pupae before the F. polyctena route disappeared and P. rufescens started to raid their nests. During the raids, the mutual attitude of the slave-makers and the ex-slaves quickly evolved from hostility to friendly relations.