Peaceful border zone of the Argentine ant in south-eastern France
Résumé
In introduced areas, Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is known to form huge colony structured called supercolony with free exchange of individuals among nests. Here, we present analyzes of Argentine ant recognition cues (cuticular hydrocarbons) and aggressive interactions between 8 coastal sites in Provence-Côte d’Azur (France). The results of behavioral assays and chemical analyzes reveal the existence of a peaceful colony, at the boundary of two distinct colony groups, the colony of Giens. This colony presented no aggression with each of the two groups. Moreover, this peaceful colony is a geographical boundary between the two groups. The Giens population showed part of the chemical characteristics of each of the two groups. This peaceful colony of Giens may results from colony fusion acts and can be considered as a hybrid colony.
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