3 replies to this topic

[ooper]

I have three colonies that I think are Formica. Two are all black and one is black w/ red thorax area. One of the all black colonies form cocoons, the other two colonies do not. Is the formation of cocoons an indication of genus? Is it possible for some species of a genus to form cocoons and other species in the same genus to not form them?

[James C. Trager]

Yes, sometimes.

Yes, sometimes. 
Formica species mostly make cocoons, but some occasionally and a smaller number often don't make cocoons.

It is usually only worker pupae that are without cocoons, even in the species that most often lack them. 

[ooper]

Thanks James!

[drtrmiller]

Formica species mostly make cocoons, but some occasionally and a smaller number often don't make cocoons.

It is usually only worker pupae that are without cocoons, even in the species that most often lack them. 

 

Is this believed to be nature or nurture?

 

Many have often speculated that a lack of suitable substrate, such as in a test tube or artificial nest, may cause the larvae to not spin cocoons.