Differential transport of a guild of mutualistic root aphids by the ant Lasius flavus.

ABSTRACT: Mutually beneficial associations are widespread in ecological networks. They are typically assembled as multispecies guilds of symbionts that compete for one or more host species. The ant Lasius flavus engages in an intriguing and obligate mutualistic association with a community of aphids that are cultivated on plant roots in its nests. The ant displays a repertoire of amicable behaviors toward the aphids, including their transport. I examined whether L. flavus preferentially carried some of the root aphids. Using a no-choice and a choice experiment, I comparatively analyzed the transport rate of 5 obligate and one loosely associated species back to the ant nest and used the transport rate of the ant larvae as a reference. All associated root aphids were carried back to the

SUBMITTER: Parmentier T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10443613 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature