A behavioural study of transporter workers inCataglyphis ibericaant colonies (Hymenoptera Formicidae)

In Cataglyphis iberica ant societies, social carrying of workers from one nest to another of the polycalic colony is a common phenomenon mostly performed by a group of workers, the transporters. They are old workers (with completely resorbed ovaries and low fat body content), included among the most active individuals of the colony, and specialized in adult transport. Behaviourally they occupy an intermediate position between interior and exterior workers, since they perform, together with adult transport, some activities characteristic of those two groups of workers. Notwithstanding, their characterization as an independent group varies greatly between periods and colonies.