Evolution of larval adhesive structures in the ant subfamily Ponerinae

Larvae of some species of ants in the subfamily Ponerinae have specilaized adhesive structures on the dorsum of the body.These adhesive structures appear to function to attach the larvae to the walls and roof of nest chambers.

We show these structures vary in number, placement, and morphology. We use a recent molecular phylogeny of the Ponerinae to explore how presence and morphoplogy of larval adhesion evolved in the subfamily, and we examine details of morphology and anatomy that are relevant to mechanisms of larval adhesion.