INDIVIDUAL FOOD SOURCE FIDELITY IN THE NEOTROPICAL PONERINE ANT ECTATOMMA-RUIDUM ROGER (HYMENOPTERA-FORMICIDAE)

Foragers of the ponerine ant Ectatomma ruidum Roger can be classified into two behavioural subcastes: prey-hunting and nectar-collecting ant s. Observations on foraging activities of nectar-collecting workers sp ecialized on the extrafloral nectaries of the orchid, Spathoglotis pli cata, were made in a neotropical forest located in Guadeloupe, using m arked ants. Although foraging activity was mainly diurnal, the activit y rhythm of these specialized workers showed a shift at the end of the afternoon, before sunset. Most foragers come back to the nest at this time but, by contrast, those collecting nectar on orchids increase th eir activity This increase is linked with the secretion cycle of extra floral nectaries which exhibit a strong activity at this time. Behavio ural and ecological implications of the spatial and temporal learning involved in this food site fidelity are discussed.