Genomic Architecture of Nestmate Recognition Cues in the Desert Ant.

ABSTRACT: Nestmate recognition is the basis for cooperation within social insect colonies. Quantitative variation in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) is used for nestmate recognition in ants and other social insects. To infer genetic effects on CHC variation, we tested for association between CHCs and polymorphic genetic loci to identify potential quantitative trait loci (QTL). We carried out a genome wide association study (GWAS) of CHCs in the desert ant Cataglyphis niger by sampling 47 colonies, fully sequencing six workers from each colony, and measuring the relative amounts of their CHCs. Under the Gestalt colony odor model, social interactions between nestmates, in which CHCs are transferred and mixed, are essential in creating a uniform colony CHC profile. Therefore, we carried out a seco

SUBMITTER: Cohen P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12723442 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature