Sex mosaics in a male dimorphic ant Cardiocondyla kagutsuchi
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2009 |
| Authors: | J. Yoshizawa, Mimori, K., Yamauchi, K., Tsuchida, K. |
| Journal: | Naturwissenschaften |
| Volume: | 96 |
| Pagination: | 49-55 |
| Date Published: | January, Publish |
| Abstract: | *[We studied gynandromorphy in the Malaysian ant Cardiocondyla kagutsuchi, which has sex mosaics of queens (gynandromorphs; mosaic of queens and winged male) and workers (ergatandromorphs; mosaic of worker and wingless ergatoid male). These sex mosaics were classified into 7 morphological categories. Most individuals had more male than female body areas. Behavioral observations revealed that sex mosaics behave more in accordance with the 'sex' of their brain than that of the reproductive organs (gaster). Relative DNA quantities showed that both female & male regions contained haploid & diploid nuclei, irrespective of their phenotypic appearance, indicating that external appearance did not reflect internal tissues. Nearly one third of the adults were sex mosaics & they were not infected with Wolbachia. Our results suggest that the production of sex mosaics in this species does not pose a substantial cost to colonies & that the underlying causes are therefore not strongly selected against.] |
| Alternate Journal: | Naturwissenschaften |