Sitemate recognition: the case of Anochetus traegordhi (Hymenoptera; Formicidae) preying on Nasutitermes (Isoptera : Termitidae)

Workers of the ponerine ant Anochetus traegordhi are specialized in the cap ture of Nasutitermes sp. termites. Both species were found to live in the s ame logs fallen on the ground of the African tropical rain forest. A. traeg ordhi has a very marked preference for workers over termite soldiers, The p urpose of the capture of soldiers, rather than true predation, was to allow the ants easier access to termite workers. During the predatory sequence, termite workers were approached from behind, then seized and stung on the g aster, while soldiers were attacked head on and stung on the thorax. When o riginating from a different nest-site log than their predator ant, termites were detected from a greater distance and even workers were attacked more cautiously. Only 33.3% of these termite workers were retrieved versus 75% o f the attacked same-site termite workers. We have demonstrated that hunting workers can recognize the nature of the prey caste (workers versus termite soldiers) and the origin of the termite colony (i.e. sharing or not the lo g where the ants were nesting), supporting the hypothesis that hunting ants can learn the colony odor of their prey. This, in addition to the nest-sit e selection of A. traegordhi in logs occupied by Nasutitermes can be consid ered as a first step in termitolesty.