RITUALISED FIGHTING IN THE MEAT ANT <i>IRIDOMYRMEX PURPUREUS</i> (SMITH) (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract Workers of the meat ant establish territorial boundaries with adjoining colonies by prolonged confrontations involving ritualised fighting. The stereotyped sequence of events in the ritual is described. It is suggested that steps in this sequence are derived from solicitation for food. The energetic and evolutionary significance of ritualised fighting is discussed.