Relationship between polymorphism and division of labor in colonies of Azteca chartifex spiriti Forel, 1912 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae)

Summary. Azteca chartifex spiriti Forel, 1912 is a Neotropical ant that exhibits noticeable polymorphism within its worker caste. The aim of this study was to analyze the division of labor among workers based on this polymorphism. We evaluated four key behaviors: colony defense, foraging, nest reconstruction, and the tending of honeydew-producing insects across three polydomous colonies. Head width was measured in workers performing these predefined tasks. Statistical analyses (Chi-square tests) revealed that while nest defense was consistently performed by major workers (87%), other behaviors exhibited significant plasticity. Task allocation for nest reconstruction and Hemiptera tending varied significantly between colonies, suggesting an influence of colony-specific factors, such as ontogeny rather than a strict relationship between shape and task. This balance between specialized defense and flexible task allocation is crucial for understanding the ecological dominance and colony functioning of A. chartifex spiriti.