Behavioral repertoire of the ant Cataglyphis cursor (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Is it possible to elaborate a standard specific one?

A picture of the behavioral pattern of the ant Cataglyphis cursor was obtained, identifying 49 acts for the workers and 19 for the queen. Colonies are, in general, very inactive, since more than 40% of the behavioral repertoire is related to inactivity. In worker repertoire some acts are very constant (such as trophallaxis and allogrooming), and others (such as activities outside the nest and brood care) undergo important variations according to the season of the year, the size of the colony, and the presence or absence of the queen. The behavioral repertoire of the queen is simpler than that of the workers considered altogether. There are two specific acts pertaining to this caste: the laying of eggs and the biting of winged larvae. Considering the results of all colonies together, we observe considerable inter- and intracolonial differences, which makes it difficult to establish a standard repertoire for the species as a whole. © 1991 Plenum Publishing Corporation.