On 22/08/1910 I was fortunate to find a female rufescens Polyergus at Calar of Santa (Moratalla). It is a kind ant largely unknown south of Madrid, only 5 appointments in Granada and 1 in Jaén, always above the 1200 m altitude (I found it to 1285 m)
The Poyergus rufescens has a very biology interesting. It is a kind of slavery that sent scouts to look for nests of Formica sp (species parasitized). When one of the scouts locate one, go back to his nest to recruit more Polyergus and organize a raid in which individuals are killed Formica adults who try to defend the nest and their pupae are captured are taken to Polyergus anthill. When the pupae hatch and hatch Formica adults are dedicated to care for and feed the Polyergus .
Polyergus rufescens. Calar de la Santa
Photo: Chema Catarineu
Their jaws anemia (sword-shaped) are distinct and one of its functions is to drill the cuticle of other ants. They are unable to feed themselves and need constant care of his slaves.
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