Variation in size and sperm content of sexuals in the leafcutter ant Atta colombica

Summary:

We studied a population of the Panamanian leafcutter ant Atta colombica and found significant between-colony variation for several male and gyne size parameters. Male sperm complement size was highly variable between individuals and was negatively correlated with head width and thorax weight, the latter itself positively correlated with wing length. This suggests a negative covariance between two likely fitness traits of males: flight ability and insemination potential. Young queens on average stored only slightly more than one male's worth of sperm. We discuss our results in the context of reproductive strategies and mating systems.