TY  - JOUR
AU  - Buschinger, A.
T1  - Queen polymorphism in an Australian ant, Monomorium cf. rubriceps Mayr, 1876 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
JF  - Myrmecological News
Y1  - 2011
DA  - 2011
PB  - The Austrian Society of Entomofaunistics
SN  - Print: 1994-4136 - Online: 1997-3500
N1  - 10.25849/myrmecol.news_015:063
DO  - 10.25849/myrmecol.news_015:063
SP  - 63-66
KW  - Monomorium rubriceps, queen polymorphism, genetic, environmental, caste determination, Australia.
AB  - Queen polymorphism, the coexistence of two or more phenotypes of reproductive females in one species, is an uncommon feature in ants. In several ant species, queen polymorphism turned out to be genetically mediated. Monomorium cf. rubriceps Mayr, 1876 from south-eastern Australia is another species with workerlike, intermorphic queens but also alate / dealate ordinary gynomorphs. However, field and laboratory experiences suggest that this polymorphism is environmentally determined, in that a functional intermorphic queen inhibits the formation of alate gynomorphs in her progeny. Such gynes develop from her remaining brood when the queen has been removed or has died. Details of collecting sites, colony size and composition, reproductive organs and of the morphology of the reproductives are presented here. The author recommends further investigation of the phenomenon.
JA  - Myrmecological News
M3  - Original Article
VL  - 15