The caste system and social repertoire of Cataglyphis floricola (Hymenoptera formicidae)

Cataglyphis floricolais an ant species from the Southern Iberian Peninsula; its most striking feature is that it collects petals as an important part of its diet. The caste system is based upon a monophasic polymorphism of workers, displayed over a short span of size variation. There is also a slight polymorphism between queen and workers. The number of acts identified in the workers' repertoire is 40, none of which is particularly unusual in other ant repertoires, except those related to petal transport and consumption. The queen's repertoire is similar to that of other ants of the higher subfamilies, with a high proportion of inactivity and a passive behaviour in social interactions.