Liquid food transport by means of solid items in Messor barbarus (Linnaeus, 1767), with a reconsideration of the so called “tool use behavior” in ants

[Transporte de alimentos líquidos mediante objetos sólidos en Messor barbarus (Linnaeus, 1767), y reconsideración del denominado “comportamiento de uso de instrumentos” en las hormigas]

José María Gómez Durán

Abstract

A few ant species belonging to three genera of the subfamily Myrmicinae (Aphaenogaster, Pogonomyrmex and Solenopsis) cover the liquid or viscous foods with diverse solid items which they later extract imbibed or soaked for carrying them to the nest. We describe this behavior for the first time in the genus Messor Forel, 1890, and, through the analysis of the phases and features of the whole process, we conclude that it must not be regarded as tool use behavior. Keywords: Messor barbarus, liquid food transport, behavior, tools, Aphaenogaster, Pogonomyrmex, Solenopsis.