Internest aggression and identification of possible nestmate discrimination pheromones in polygynous antFormica montana.

Polygynous ant species often monopolize patchily distributed habitats and tolerate neighboring conspecifics while aggressively attacking other ant species. We determined that internest aggression occurs in the polygynous ant,Formica montana. We report for the first time the identities of cuticular hydrocarbons ofF. montana and present results of their possible role in nestmate recognition. Cuticular hydrocarbons contribute differentially to class discrimination, certain hydrocarbons being more class distinct.