Ergatoid
- Pronunciation
- /er-ga-toid/
- Category
- Social Behavior
- Singular
- Ergatoid
- Plural
- Ergatoids
Definition
A term used to describe a type of social insect reproductive strategy where the reproductive individuals resemble workers rather than typical queens, often lacking wings.
Etymology
From Greek 'ergon', meaning 'work', and 'oid', meaning 'like'.
Example
In some species of ants, ergatoid queens take on reproductive roles without having the distinctive morphological features of typical queens.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Ergatoid queens are common in some species of ants and termites; they usually have a reproductive role similar to that of a winged queen but resemble workers morphologically.