polygynes

Polygynes (plural of polygyne) is a term used in myrmecology to describe colonies that maintain multiple reproductive queens within a single nest. This is in contrast to monogynes, where a colony is headed by a single queen. The polygyne form leads to certain social and genetic characteristics: multiple queens reproduce within the colony, increasing the potential for colony growth and resilience; workers belong to several maternal lineages, which lowers relatedness among nestmates compared with monogyne colonies.

Distribution and occurrence: Polygyne colonies are found in many ant species and have been most thoroughly studied in the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta, though other species exhibit polygyne colonies. The occurrence of polygyne and monogyne forms within a species can vary geographically and ecologically.

Genetics and evolution: In many systems, the presence of a genetic architecture—often described as a supergene or gene complex—controls colony social form. In Solenopsis invicta, a chromosomal region with suppressed recombination is strongly associated with whether a colony is polygyne or monogyne; this genetic arrangement influences queen number, dispersal behavior, and colony organization. Evolutionarily, polygyne versus monogyne strategies can be shaped by ecological conditions such as resource distribution, nest density, and kin structure.

Ecology and management: Polygyne colonies can contribute to faster local expansion because multiple queens can found or sustain colonies; for management, this may complicate control strategies in invasive populations, since such colonies can produce more workers and reproductive individuals.

See also: polygyny, monogyne, monogyny, supergene, red imported fire ant.