|
|
Luigi Pontieri
PhD student (KU)
Many invasive ant species show a special form of social organization where colonies are not based on families but form large networks of collaborating nests.
I will use highly genetic diverse colony lineages of pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) to investigate how differences in genetic composition can influence several colony traits (es. social structure, nestmate recognition, sex and caste ratio) and lead to the evolution of "supercolonies" in invasive ants. Applying a range of methods, including population genetics, chemical analyses of communication cues, breeding and behavioral experiments, the aim of my work is to shed new light on the adaptations that make these ants invasive.
|
|
LPontieri@bio.ku.dk
|
Theme: [T5]
Organism: [Pharaoh ants]
|
