author(s)
Deven Patel, Adrienne Uhlyarik, Alexa Sheldon and Judicael Fomekong Lontchi

abstract
In this study, the never-before-asked question of whether or not the termitophagous ant Megaponera analis are opportunistic foragers was investigated via the presentation of both Macrotermes and Cubitermes termites along M. analis raiding trails. These trials occurred in the Dja Biosphere Reserve in Cameroon during January and February of 2017. The results showed that the ants were in fact opportunistic for Macrotermes but not opportunistic for Cubitermes. Quantitative raiding behaviour data showed significant similarities in foraging behavior (including velocity and distance) gathered from other studies of different African regions. Lastly, nest-mate recognition between M. analis was gathered by introducing ants to foreign colonies and recording responses; the result showed a statistically significant difference in response between home-colony and foreign ants, with M. analis acting more hostile to foreign ants. This is the first M. analis study conducted in a Congolese lowland rainforest.