ABSTRACT

Ants that exhibit a relatively large proportion of ancestral morphological traits are commonly believed to exhibit less social complexity. This was examined through a comparative review of Nothomyrmecia, Myrmecia, and the heterogeneous subfamily Ponerinae. A limited dimorphism between winged queens and workers is a common characteristic of morphologically ‘primitive’ ants. This has two important consequences: (1) queens are not very fecund, and this is reflected in the small size of colonies (a few dozens to several hundreds of workers); (2) solitary foundresses are unable to rear their first generation of workers without hunting outside their nests. In contrast, some of the ‘primitive’ species having permanently wingless (= ergatoid) queens exhibit considerably greater fecundity, and colonies reach a few thousands. There is also a small number of permanently queenless ponerine ants, in which one or more mated workers reproduce (several dozens to a few hundreds of workers per colony).

Ecological characteristics of ‘primitive’ ants include their predatory habits (in addition, sweet secretions are collected in various genera), various degrees of diet specialization, and a widespread lack of cooperation among foragers (although several species with ergatoid queens, and larger colonies, exhibit sophisticated recruitment and even group predation). Role specialization among sterile workers (including the influence of age) follows the typical formicid pattern; polymorphic workers occur in only one species. True trophallaxis among nestmates does not exist (two exceptions only); eggs (either reproductive or trophic) are eaten in several species.