Life history, nest longevity, sex ratio, and nest architecture of the fungus-growing ant Mycetosoritis hartmanni (Formicidae: Attina)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289146
• Publication Date: 2023-07-26T18:42:15Z
• Authors: Ulrich G. Mueller; Anna G. Himler; Caroline E. Farrior
• Keywords: Male; Ants; Sand; Longevity; Fungi; Animals; Female; Sex Ratio; Texas; Research Article; Nesting Behavior

Mycetosoritis hartmanni is a rarely collected fungus-farming ant of North America. We describe life history and nest architecture for M . population in central Texas, USA. Colonies are monogynous with typically less than 100 workers (average 47.6 workers, maximum 148 workers). Nests occur always sand have uniform 1–3 underground garden chambers arranged along vertical tunnel, the deepest gardens 50–70 cm deep. Foragers active primarily between April October. After reduced activity November February, egg laying by queens resumes April, first worker pupae develop early June. Reproductive females males reared July August, proportionally more produced summer (protogyny). Mating flights founding new nests mated late June to but may extend through September. For cohort 150 established (nests that had survived at least one year after founding), estimated mortality rate was 0.41–0.53, average lifespan these 1.9–2.5 years, longest-living were observed live 6 years. These life-history parameters Texas consistent information from additional throughout range this species eastern Louisiana southern Texas. Throughout its USA, can be locally very abundant sun-exposed, sandy soil. Abundance seems so far relatively unaffected invasive fire ants, present does not appear an endangered species.