The spread-eagling of prey by the obligate plant-ant Pheidole minutula (Myrmicinae): Similarities with dominant arboreal ants

Pheidole minutula is an arboreal ant species with minute workers (about 2mm in length) that lives in association with the myrmecophyte Maieta guianens is (Melastomataceae). The workers constantly patrol the associated plant le aves, with each leaf patrolled by several workers. The predatory behavior o f this ant species was studied using termite larvae (small prey) and worker s (large prey). Only a few small prey were captured by a single worker; oth erwise, we noted cooperative hunting. After detection, patrolling workers a ttacked the prey by seizing them by a leg, then pulling backward. In reacti on the prey pulled in the opposite direction. We argue that these workers c an recruit at short-range nestmates situated on the same leaf. Each new wor ker that arrived seized in turn a prey leg and pulled backward. As a result , the prey were spread-eagled. Long-range recruitment was used for large pr ey. Small and large prey were cut up on the spot or retrieved whole. We nev er noted the use of venom. These results are compared with those known for dominant arboreal ant species.