Oh sister, where art thou? Spatial population structure and the evolution of an altruistic defence trait

• DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12496
• Publication Date: 2014-09-29T01:26:02Z
• Authors: T. Pamminger; S. Foitzik; D. Metzler; P. S. Pennings
• Keywords: Trait

Abstract The evolution of parasite virulence and host defences is affected by population structure. This effect has been confirmed in studies focusing on large spatial scales, whereas the importance local structure not well understood. Slavemaking ants are social parasites that exploit workers another species to rear their offspring. Enslaved Temnothorax longispinosus have found exhibit an effective post‐enslavement defence behaviour: enslaved were observed killing a proportion parasites’ As do reproduce, they gain no direct fitness benefit from this ‘rebellion’ behaviour. However, there may be indirect benefit: neighbouring nests related ‘rebel’ can reduced raiding pressure, as result reduction nest size due workers’ We use simple mathematical model examine whether small‐scale could explain potentially altruistic trait against slavemaking ants. find case if nearby nests. In genetic study, we confirm are, indeed, more closely within range resident slavemaker nest, than outside range. seems polydomy (e.g. occupation several close proximity single colony) enabled kin selection.