Cleptobiosis in Social Insects
Joint Authors
Krasnec, Michelle O.
Breed, Michael D.
Cook, Chelsea
Source
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-7, 7 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-03-05
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
7
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
In this review of cleptobiosis, we not only focus on social insects, but also consider broader issues and concepts relating to the theft of food among animals.
Cleptobiosis occurs when members of a species steal food, or sometimes nesting materials or other items of value, either from members of the same or a different species.
This simple definition is not universally used, and there is some terminological confusion among cleptobiosis, cleptoparasitism, brood parasitism, and inquilinism.
We first discuss the definitions of these terms and the confusion that arises from varying usage of the words.
We consider that cleptobiosis usually is derived evolutionarily from established foraging behaviors.
Cleptobionts can succeed by deception or by force, and we review the literature on cleptobiosis by deception or force in social insects.
We focus on the best known examples of cleptobiosis, the ectatommine ant Ectatomma ruidum, the harvester ant Messor capitatus, and the stingless bee Lestrimellita limão.
Cleptobiosis is facilitated either by deception or physical force, and we discuss both mechanisms.
Part of this discussion is an analysis of the ecological implications (competition by interference) and the evolutionary effects of cleptobiosis.
We conclude with a comment on how cleptobiosis can increase the risk of disease or parasite spread among colonies of social insects.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Breed, Michael D.& Cook, Chelsea& Krasnec, Michelle O.. 2012. Cleptobiosis in Social Insects. Psyche،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-475321
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Breed, Michael D.…[et al.]. Cleptobiosis in Social Insects. Psyche No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-475321
American Medical Association (AMA)
Breed, Michael D.& Cook, Chelsea& Krasnec, Michelle O.. Cleptobiosis in Social Insects. Psyche. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-475321
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-475321