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Some observations on the microgyne form ofMyrmica rubra L. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Observations sur la forme microgyne deMyrmica rubra L. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

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Summary

  1. 1.

    Data on the natural occurrence of the microgyne form ofMyrmica rubra L. are given, showing it to be more common than previously suspected.

  2. 2.

    Morphometrics show that the microgynes are an isometric reduction of the normal queens.

  3. 3.

    Experimental evidence is given to show that microgynes tend to breed true and that they have a queen effect that is similar to normal queens.

  4. 4.

    The origin of the microgyne polymorphism is discussed and it is concluded that it is genetic, microgynes perhaps being an atavistic form of the species.

Résumé

  1. 1o

    Des données sur la fréquence naturelle de la forme microgyne deMyrmica rubra L. montrent que cette forme est plus commune qu'on ne le supposait.

  2. 2o

    Des données morphométriques montrent que les microgynes représentent une réduction isométrique des reines normales.

  3. 3o

    Des preuves expérimentales montrent que les microgynes tendent à se reproduire véritablement et qu'elles ont une action royale semblable à celle des reines normales.

  4. 4o

    L'origine du polymorphisme conduisant à la forme microgyne est discutée et l'auteur aboutit à l'idée d'un polymorphisme génétique, les microgynes étant peut-être une forme atavique de l'espèce.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Furzebrook Research Station, Wareham, BH20 5AS, Dorset, England

    G. W. Elmes

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  1. G. W. Elmes
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Elmes, G.W. Some observations on the microgyne form ofMyrmica rubra L. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Ins. Soc 23, 3–21 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02283902

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02283902

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