Task allocation and alate production in monogynous, polygynous and orphan colonies of Myrmica kotokui

We compared alate production and the behaviour of workers and queens among polygynous, monogynous and orphan colonies of Myrmica kotokui, a member of the M. rubra complex. The level of inactivity of workers and queens was low er in polygynous colonies than in monogynous colonies. However, alate produ ction per worker was not higher in polygynous colonies, and the lower inact ivity did not raise the frequency of worker brood care. Instead, frequencie s of allogrooming and/or self-grooming were significantly higher in workers and queens of polygynous colonies, suggesting the involvement of a nestmat e recognition system. The removal of the queen from monogynous colonies inc reased the activity of orphan workers and raised the frequencies of brood c are. Alate production per worker was significantly higher in orphaned colon ies. This seems to support the prediction that workers prefer reproductive allocation to the ergonomic allocation favoured by queens during the ergono mic stage.