Two factors affecting the mutualism between Myrmecocystus mendax and Publilia modesta are investigated. These factors are the seasonal time frame during which the mutualism is maintained and the behavior of individual workers tending membracid aggregations. Results of this study show that Publilia modesta makes seasonal migrations via flight, makes use of a conifer as a long term host, mates on a substate distant from a suitable oviposition host, and changes color with the onset of ovarian development many months after metamorphosis. Membracid-tending Myrmecocystus mendax comprise a behaviorally distinct subcaste and behave in a manner consistent with optimal foraging theory by maintaining both site and resource fidelity.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/292031 |
| Date | January 1991 |
| Creators | Glass, Judith, 1956- |
| Contributors | Moran, Nancy, Wheeler, Diana |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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