11 replies to this topic

[Foogoo]

Just curious, at what point in a young colony do majors typically appear? How long/how big was the population before yours got majors? 

[drtrmiller]

Majors develop as a consequence of being fed more and higher quality food, and in some species like Pheidole, from being given special foods high in certain growth hormones.  Rarely, queens will even rear major nanitics!

 

It is important to note that by "more and higher quality food," I'm not referring to the food the user supplies, but rather what is processed by the collective colony gut, which means that larger colonies have an enormous advantage.

 

However, with regard to your question, because many environmental factors come into play, an exact timeline is neither very easily determined, nor would one likely prove very useful a yardstick for determining what is typical and expected, in captivity or otherwise.

Edited by drtrmiller, August 1 2015 - 9:34 PM.

[BugFinder]

Terry, are you saying that we can't affect it by providing certain foods?

[Etherwulf]

From what I know, major development is triggered when the colony has reached a certain point in growth, provided that the colony has access to ample protein-rich food.

 

From my own experiences with Solenopsis, the production of the largest majors can be triggered without having the colony mature completely. This is done by withholding protein for two to three months before offering large quantities of protein. Keep in mind that carbohydrates will need to be provided throughout the growth of the colony because too much protein can lead to colony collapse and the lifespans of workers being halved. There are many studies available that you may consult regarding this.

 

Camponotus on the other hand does not respond to this kind of feeding pattern, for lack of a better term. Regardless of how protein is withheld and offered, majors will continue to develop as the colony grows as long as a minimum protein requirement is met.

 

Also, should there be a reduction in the number of minors, I have observed that even when a major is expected (according to the major-minor ratio), there will be more minors produced. I presume this is because producing more minors has become a priority since they make up the bulk of the colony and are 'cheaper' to produce as compared to majors.

 

Don't rely on the ratio completely though because the major to minor ratio is exponentially increasing and differs greatly across the board so it is naturally difficult to "predict" when a major might develop.

 

Another hypothesis that has been thrown around is that colonies produce majors in response to environmental threats. I think Miles mentioned he saw it in a journal before but I'm not sure which one it is.

[William. T]

I have read that majors are produced to cut food, like with Pheidole. Perhaps you should feed more chitinous insects, like a whole cricket without damage.

[Foogoo]

Interesting, thanks for all the info!

[Foogoo]

Here's an interesting paper that appears to confirm everything that's been said, if anyone finds the full article, please share!

http://link.springer...1007/BF00171658

[kellakk]

Here you go.

[Herdo]

Here you go.

Thanks guys, this is some great info.

[dspdrew]

My Pheidole vistana queen just got her first major and has two more on the way just a week and a half after getting her very first workers..

[Foogoo]

My Pheidole vistana queen just got her first major and has two more on the way just a week and a half after getting her very first workers..

That's really quick!

[anttics]

Some species grow bigger majors when competition grows against other colonies. Some grow them when larger seeds are available. Its many reason. Different for other species.