抄録
Changes in the foraging activity of P. chinensis antennalis PEREZ in relation to its colony development were investigated. under field conditions. Changes in the numbers of cells, 3rd to 5th instar larvae and workers in relation to the colony development were also investigated. When the numbers of cells and 3rd to 5th instar larvae were small before the emergence of workers, both hunting activity and foraging activity for liquid food were low. After the first worker emerged, hunting activity increased with a rapid increase in the numbers of cells, 3rd to 5th instar larvae and workers. When 3rd to 5th instar larvae and workers became numerous, the hunting activity reached a maximum. Thus, the hunting activity was high during late June to early August. The foraging activity for liquid food, however, was lower than the hunting activity in this period. Once the first male emerged, cell development ceased and the number of 3rd to 5th instar larvae decreased rapidly. Workers in this postmale substage expended more labor for collection of liquid food than for hunting. It is suggested that some colony factors such as the numbers of 3rd to 5th instar larvae and workers in a nest strongly affect the hunting activity.
