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Digestive enzymes in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) : a short review
Šustr, Vladimír ; Schlick-Steiner, B.C. ; Steiner, F. M.
The literature data on the digestive enzymes present in different taxonomic groups of ants are reviewed and their patterns of occurrence across the various groups are tested. Data are available on 32 digestive enzymes from 62 ant species from 15 tribes belonging to seven subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Ecitoninae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, Paraponerinae, Ponerinae, and Pseudomyrmecinae). Leaf-cutter ants (Myrmicinae, higher Attini) are the best-investigated group. Nearly all analysed enzymes were present in all the species investigated, irrespective of taxonomic group. The only significant difference across taxonomic groups concerns enzymes that attack plant structural polysaccharides (cellulases, pectinase, xylanase). These were more frequent in leaf-cutter ants than in other groups. To detect potential additional differences between groups differing in their feeding habits, more comprehensive qualitative data acquisition will be necessary.
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