Use este identificador para citar ou linkar para este item: https://locus.ufv.br//handle/123456789/16545
Tipo: Artigo
Título: Reassessing the chromosome number and morphology of the turtle ant cephalotes pusillus (Klug, 1824) using karyomorphometrical analysis and observations of new nesting behavior
Autor(es): Cristiano, Maykon Passos
Pereira, Tássia Tatiane Pontes
Simões, Laysa Peneda
Sandoval-Gómez, Vivian Eliana
Cardoso, Danon Clemes
Abstract: Here we use karyomorphometrical analysis to characterize and evaluate the karyotype of the turtle ant Cephalotes pusillus (Klug, 1824). This is the first representative of this diverse ant genus to be cytogenetically studied. They bear a diploid chromosome set of 44 chromosomes, which, according to the centromeric index, are metacentric, submetacentric, and subtelocentric. This small ant is quite widely distributed in the Neotropics and seems to be well adapted to living in disturbed areas. Here we report the species nesting on dead trunks used to build fences at countryside houses and farms. On these nests, we observed some never reported behavior of C. pusillus: the ants appear to be able to dig by actively removing small fragments of dead wood fiber, hence expanding their nest cavities. It was not thought that Cephalotes species had this ability, given that they nest in preexisting cavities. Our observations are initial remarks that the small plier-like mandibles of C. pusillus may not be a constraint for this species, adding to our knowledge on ant nesting biology.
Palavras-chave: Cephalotes
Cytogenetics
Formicidae
Nesting
karyotype
Karyomorphometry
Editor: Insects
Tipo de Acesso: Open Access
URI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects8040114
http://www.locus.ufv.br/handle/123456789/16545
Data do documento: 23-Out-2017
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