Abstract

ARANDA-RICKERT, Adriana  and  FRACCHIA, Sebastián. The biology of Pogonomyrmex cunicularius pencosensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in relationship to its behaviour as disperser of elaiosome-bearing seeds in semiarid Northwest Argentina. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2012, vol.71, n.1-2, pp.11-27. ISSN 0373-5680.

Pogonomyrmex cunicularius pencosensis Forel is the dominant disperser of elaiosome bearing seeds in the northern Monte Desert of semiarid Northwest Argentina. In this study, various aspects of the biology of this ant species were examined and related to its ability to disperse myrmecochorous seeds. Data are presented on P. cunicularius pencosensis nesting habits, colony size, feeding habits and foraging behaviour. Finally, it is discussed how all these aspects of the life history of P. cunicularius pencosensis may positively influence the seed dispersal of native myrmecochorous plants, as well as their ecological and evolutive implications.

Keywords : Myrmecochory; Pogonomyrmex cunicularius; Ant nests; Colony size; Deserts.

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