Species recognition limits mating between hybridizing ant species.

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Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_D11C7FD7D12C
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Species recognition limits mating between hybridizing ant species.
Journal
Evolution; international journal of organic evolution
Author(s)
Blacher P., Zahnd S., Purcell J., Avril A., Honorato T.O., Bailat-Rosset G., Staedler D., Brelsford A., Chapuisat M.
ISSN
1558-5646 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0014-3820
Publication state
Published
Issued date
09/2022
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
76
Number
9
Pages
2105-2115
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
Identifying mechanisms limiting hybridization is a central goal of speciation research. Here, we studied premating and postmating barriers to hybridization between two ant species, Formica selysi and Formica cinerea. These species hybridize in the Rhône valley in Switzerland, where they form a mosaic hybrid zone, with limited introgression from F. selysi into F. cinerea. There was no sign of temporal isolation between the two species in the production of queens and males. With choice experiments, we showed that queens and males strongly prefer to mate with conspecifics. Yet, we did not detect postmating barriers caused by genetic incompatibilities. Specifically, hybrids of all sexes and castes were found in the field and F1 hybrid workers did not show reduced viability compared to nonhybrid workers. To gain insights into the cues involved in species recognition, we analyzed the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of queens, males, and workers and staged dyadic encounters between workers. CHC profiles differed markedly between species, but were similar in F. cinerea and hybrids. Accordingly, workers also discriminated species, but they did not discriminate F. cinerea and hybrids. We discuss how the CHC-based recognition system of ants may facilitate the establishment of premating barriers to hybridization, independent of hybridization costs.
Keywords
Animals, Ants/genetics, Hybridization, Genetic, Hydrocarbons, Male, Recognition, Psychology, Reproduction, Assortative mating, Formica ants, hybrid zone, hydrocarbon cues, speciation, species recognition
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
13/07/2022 12:48
Last modification date
09/03/2023 6:49
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