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Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2024CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
The terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus as a facultative ant guest along foraging trails and inside Messor ebeninus nests in the Negev Desert
Insectes sociaux
09 Dec 2024
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Abstract
We report field observations of the cosmopolitan terrestrial isopod species Porcellionides pruinosus both inside the nest and following foraging trails of the seed harvester ant Messor ebeninus in the spring of 2022 and 2023. The isopods inside the nest either traveled to deeper tunnels or joined foraging trails. The density of isopods along foraging trails was as high as 60 individuals along one 22-m foraging trail. The results from 12 preliminary homing assays revealed that the distance isopods were displaced did not affect whether they returned to the trail. Two of the four isopods introduced into a foraging trail of a new nest continued walking on the foreign trail. The isopods were met with minimal aggression from the ants along the trail, and there were no instances of nest guarding observed. The presence of P. pruinosus as a facultative associate inside M. ebeninus nests could be driven by a need for thermal refuge and access to subterranean granaries. The known ability of isopods to cue into ant pheromones is a plausible mechanism for allowing isopods to follow foraging trails. The benefit of trail following behavior needs further investigation. We hypothesize a benefit to walking on a path clear of obstacles, and efficient detection of patchy desert food sources.
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Details
- Title
- The terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus as a facultative ant guest along foraging trails and inside Messor ebeninus nests in the Negev Desert
- Creators
- Karmi Oxman (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)Kamila MD Kuabara - Drexel University, OrnithologySean O'Donnell - Drexel University, Biology
- Publication Details
- Insectes sociaux
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
Fieldwork was funded by Drexel University Stein Family Fellowship to KO. Sequencing was funded by Drexel University William L. McLean III Fellowship to KO. We thank Dr. Itamar Giladi for his mentorship in the field, hosting, assistance with species identification, and knowledge of the local Negev ecology.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES); Biology; Ornithology
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001373661900001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85211965112
- Other Identifier
- 991021969800704721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Entomology