Le système reproductif chez une ponérine sans reine: Dinoponera quadriceps santschi.

Thirteen colonies of Dinoponera quadriceps were studied in the field in Brazil. Dissection of all workers showed that each worker has ovaries with 6 ovarioles/ovary and a functional spermatheca. Moreover, the continuity of ovarian physiological states among workers is remarkable. Egg laying is performed by mated worker ( = gamergates) but also by few unmated ones exhibiting completely developed ovaries with numerous oocytes and yellow bodies inclusions. Besides, some gamergates present uncompletely developed ovaries and thus cannot be involved in egg laying until their ovaries reach full development. The role of both insemination and aging process in the differentiation between reproductive and non reproductive status is discussed.