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Integration of myrmecophiles into the host colonies
Bažilová, Jana ; Šobotník, Jan (advisor) ; Pech, Pavel (referee)
Although the research on myrmecophilous insects is dated back to the 19th century, certain aspects of fascinating relationship between hosts and their social parasites are not satisfactorily understood. The latest studies focus mostly on the systematics of myrmecophilous taxa, and bionomy remains neglected. Most of the myrmecophilous insect can be found among beetles (Coleoptera). These myrmecophiles reveal a broad spectrum of adaptations that allow them to live in close association with their host ants. These adaptations significantly differ among the well-integrated species on one hand and poorly integrated or non-integrated species of myrmecophilous beetles on the other. This study focuses at the comparison of behaviour in two species of myrmecophilous beetles, Claviger testaceus (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) as the member of integrated myrmecophiles, and Pella spp. (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) as poorly integrated or non-integrated beetle. My work shows significant differences in behaviour taking place after encounter of a beetle and an ant. Ants are more aggressive towards the non-integrated species, and at the same time, these beetles are well-adapted for aggressive behaviour from the ants. On the other hand, the integrated beetles do not possess many behavioural adaptations for the...
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Biology of myrmecophilous beetles
Bažilová, Jana ; Šobotník, Jan (advisor) ; Klimeš, Petr (referee)
Ants represent an insect group with a great ecological importance, and they are also a valuable source of food for a wide range of predators, parasitoids and social parasites. Myrmecophilous beetles make a significant part of these organisms. According to the specific selection pressures, myrmecophiles reveal a lot of adaptations, such as modifications of the body shape, functions of their extremities and new exocrine glands. These adaptations vary among species differing by the degree of their integration into an ant colony. Non-integrated species live near ant nests as predators and the hosts' behaviour towards them is always hostile. They are protected by thick and sclerotized cuticle, defensive substances and strategic behaviour. Integrated species are adopted by the host colony based on the imitation of hosts' recognition factors. These species have access to the hosts' nests, where they feed on ant larvae and pupae or they are fed directly by the ants. This thesis describes specific adaptations for life associated with ants, which are exploited by various myrmecophilous species. In several chapters it characterizes myrmecophilous organisms, their morphological adaptations, chemical mimicry and behavioural strategies used during interactions with the host. Keywords: myrmecophily, inkvilinism,...
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