Ritualized fighting in the meat ant iridomyrmex purpureus hymenoptera formicidae
Ettershank, G.; Ettershank, J.A.
Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 21(2): 97-102
1982
Accession: 006345873
Workers of the meat ant establish territorial boundaries with adjoining colonies by prolonged confrontations involving ritualized fighting. The stereotyped sequence of events in the ritual is described. Steps in this sequence are probably derived from solicitation for food. The energetic and evolutionary significance of ritualized fighting is discussed.