''Myrmica scabrinodis scabrinodis'' is a subspecies of ant that can be found everywhere in

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except for

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, and

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. It is unique in that it reproduces by ejecting pheromones from its postpetiole directly into the mandibles of its mate. Female ants of this species can also reproduce through

thelytokous parthenogenesis Thelytoky (from the Greek ''thēlys'' "female" and ''tokos'' "birth") is a type of parthenogenesis in which females are produced from unfertilized eggs, as for example in aphids. Thelytokous parthenogenesis is rare among animals and reported in a ...

, but, unlike most ant species during this process, the individual will rupture the membrane of the gaster, causing a burst of secretions containing their offspring in addition to acetophenones and other chemicals.

Oleic acid Oleic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is an odorless, colorless oil, although commercial samples may be yellowish. In chemical terms, oleic acid is classified as a monounsaturated omega ...

has been identified as the compound released from dead ants that triggers necrophoric behaviour in genus ''Myrmica'', however ''M. scabrinodis scabrinodis'' occasionally respond by engaging in anthropophagy. Males in this species react to the absence of characteristic chemicals (dolichodial and iridomyrmecin) present on the cuticle of their living nestmates to trigger a similar response. About 12%, 16%, and 4% of their faecal volume in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively, is composed of material from this behaviour.

References

External links

* Myrmica Insects described in 1963 Hymenoptera of Europe {{myrmicinae-stub