Water Balance of the Social Insect Formica Exsectoides (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Its Ecological Implications

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Abstract
The independent flux rates of water sorption and transpiration were examined using tritiated water for adult worker ants, Formica exsectoides, when tested under a variety of environmental conditions. Transpiration rates were independent of relative humidity (RH) while sorption rates were proportional to RH. Net water loss was proportional to RH due to lower sorption rates at lower RHs. Significant changes in transpiration rates were observed when ants were changed from a long light phase photoperiod to a short light phase photoperiod. Ants were also more permeable to water loss during the winter hibernating period than during the summer active periods. Net water loss in time was significantly greater for isolated workers than for grouped workers.

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