Influence of temperature and relative humidity on water loss in the workers of the meat ant, Iridomyrmex detectus (Smith) (Dolichoderinae: hymenopter).

Abstract

Water loss in the workers of the dolichoderine ant Iridomyrmex detectus (Smith) was studied in South Australia. A quantitative evaluation of the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the transpiration of ants collected during winter and spring is given. Workers collected during winter and on cold spring days transpired more than ants collected on hot days. This phenomenon could be explained in terms of abrasion of the cuticle and the behaviour of the workers. The workers lost water relatively quickly and they would probably not have survived the dry summer without an adequate supply of honey dew from sap-sucking insects.