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Nombre
A comparative analysis of rescue behaviour in four species of ants, including the endemic Cataglyphis floricola, and the response to rescue by predatory antlion larvae
Fecha de fin
Fecha de inicio
Nowbahari, Elise
Institución
Université Paris13
Código
NA
Código de acceso
2011/6
Entidad financiera
Université Paris 13
Resumen
We propose to complete our study of rescue behaviour in four ant species of the Doñana Reserva, including Cataglyphis floricola, an ant endemic to Doñana. We will (a) compare the pattern of rescue behaviours across species; (b) demonstrate that the kinds of rescue behaviours that we observed in the laboratory with C. cursor also occurs under natural conditions; and, (c) test whether each of these species, like C. cursor, also limits rescue attempts to nestmates. In addressing these questions, our larger objective is to understand the variables that contribute to the behavioural ecology of rescue behaviour. In addition, we propose to study the predator-prey relationship between each ant species and antlions, insect larvae that commonly prey on ants. Compared to instances when rescuers are absent, we will determine whether antlions attempt to alter their behaviour to avoid losing prey to rescuers or, at the other extreme, being injured by rescuers.