Thermal Ecology and Homeostasis in Colonies of the Neotropical Arboricolous Ant Azteca chartifex spiriti (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae).

ABSTRACT: Arboreal ants occupy a thermally dynamic environment, yet the mechanisms integrating nest architecture and worker behavior to maintain colony homeostasis remain understudied. We investigated the interplay among circadian rhythm, nest homeostasis, and worker morphology in Azteca chartifex spiriti, a Neotropical arboreal species that builds large polydomous nests suspended in trees. In ten colonies, we measured internal moisture and temperature gradients in the main nest, which houses most individuals, including the reproductive female, immatures, and numerous workers. In six colonies, we assessed the polymorphism of foraging workers over a 24 h cycle in relation to external temperature variation. The results show integrated thermoregulatory mechanisms that combine passive strategies,

SUBMITTER: Dos Santos JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12841854 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature