Does resource-mediated stress affect colony personality in leaf-cutting ants?

BACKGROUND Animal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. In social insects, little is known about the interplay between colony personality and colony foraging. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of the leaf-cutting antsAcromyrmex subterraneus subterraneusandAcromyrmex subterraneus molestansand examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a toxic substrate, nasturtium leaves [Tropaeolum majusL. (Tropaeolaceae)], with potential as a management tool against these pest species. The association between colony behavioral traits and fungus garden growth was also examined, and thus the efficacy of the colony suppression. RESULTS Behavioral variation was higher between colonies than between subspecies. Behavioral traits were correlated before and after exposure to resource-mediated stress in both subspecies, indicating the existence of behavioral syndrome. The dimensions that contributed most to colony personality (activity, aggressiveness, and boldness) are directly related to colony resource searching and foraging. However, these dimensions diverged in their contribution before and after exposure to nasturtium. Colony activity was the major determinant of fungus garden growth, which is probably a consequence of its relationship with foraging behaviors and maintenance of the fungus garden. CONCLUSION As the personality of a colony is unequally defined by its constituent castes, the relationship and network of interactions are determinants of foraging behaviors with relevant consequences for colony suppression using toxic foraging substrates that impair these relationships and interactions, as nasturtium leaves do. Therefore, it is plausible to say that resource-mediated stress affects colonies personality exhibiting control potential against these species.

Automated summary

Animal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of leaf-cutting ants and examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a potentially toxic substrate. Results showed that behavioral variation was higher between colonies than subspecies, with behavioral traits correlated before and after exposure to stress. Colony behavior was found to be directly related to foraging and fungus garden growth. The relationship and network of interactions within colonies are determinants of foraging behaviors, with important implications for colony suppression using toxic substrates.