ИСТИНА

We studied trophallaxis in naïve and experienced Myrmica rubra ants taken from the mixed pine forest near Novosibirsk. From the basic laboratory colony (about 1500 workers with about 10 queens and brood) we composed four laboratory groups: two “normal” and two “naive” ones. Each “normal” group contained 55 workers with 3 queens and brood. One “naive” group contained 55 workers 17-26 days of age, and the other contained 18 workers 1-9 days of age. Both naïve groups included larvae and eggs. All five groups were housed in gypsum nests in separate arenas and fed with small meal worm larvae. Once every 3 days ants were presented for 3 hours with a feeder containing sugar syrup. Video records were made and then analysed using VLC Media Player. Members of the basic colony performed mass recruitment accompanied by many acts of mutual trophallaxis. Members of “normal” laboratory groups also demonstrated trophallaxis but never mass recruitment. No cases of trophallaxis were observed within the group of naïve ants of 1-9 days of age, whereas naïve ants 17-26 days of age displayed trophallaxis, but their behavioural patterns significantly differed from those of the adults. In particular, naïve ones made attempts of one-way trophallaxis, and in the cases of mutual trophallaxis, the movements of the partners were not coordinated, and they were rather slow and clumsy. We revealed several patterns of movements during trophalaxis peculiar to adult ants only. All this enables us to suggest that ants need individual and social experience to develop trophallaxis.