You searched for: “fission
fission
The multiplication of ant colonies by splitting the worker force into two or more groups each of which depart with their own fertile queens.
This entry is located in the following unit: Ant and Related Entomology Terms (page 7)
Word Entries containing the term: “fission
colony fission, sociotomy
The multiplication of colonies by the departure of one or more reproductive forms, accompanied by groups of workers, from the parental nest, leaving behind comparable units to perpetuate the "parental" colony.

This mode is referred to occasionally as hesmosis in ant literature and sociotomy in termite literature. Swarming in honey bees can be regarded as a special form of colony fission.

This entry is located in the following unit: Ant and Related Entomology Terms (page 5)