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This study investigates the effect of a supergene on the behaviour of workers and queens in Alpine silver ants.

March 30, 2026Animal BehaviourOpen Access

Behavioural effects of a supergene controlling social organization in Alpine silver ants

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Research demonstrates a supergene affects ant worker and queen behaviour, suggesting implications for social organization.

This study investigates the effect of a supergene on the behaviour of workers and queens in Alpine silver ants.
Examined supergene influence on worker and queen behaviours in Formica selysi
Crossed queens from monogynous and polygynous colonies
Conducted colony-founding assays to assess queen interactions
Workers rejected non-nestmate queens regardless of their supergene genotype
Queens from polygynous colonies showed more aggression and different behaviours when introduced into foreign colonies
Heterozygote advantage led to increased worker offspring in specific queen matings

Choppin et al. (2026) studied this question.

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