Apterous females and shift of dispersal strategy in theMonomorium salomonis-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

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Abstract
The assumption that a number of apterous females belonging to the Monomorium salomonis-group are socially parasitic or inquilinous is reviewed and discarded. An hypothesis is presented which postulates that the development of aptery in females of this group is associated with a shift in dispersal strategy in the species involved. Morphological modifications connected with this process are outlined and possible consequences discussed.