Frequency distribution of worker sizes in Megaponera foetens (Fabricius)

Abstract

The sizes of workers from raiding columns and an excavated colony of Megaponera foetens, were determined using measurements of interocular distance and scape length. These measurements confirmed that workers exhibit monophasic allometry. Analysis of the frequency distribution of worker sizes in samples taken from columns and the nest, did not reveal any significant differences, indicating that workers of all sizes are recruited for foraging. However, the two largest size classes of workers predominate in the samples from the nest, suggesting that these individuals may be Involved in reproduction.