Evolution of cheaper workers in ants: a comparative study of exoskeleton thickness

The great evolutionary success of insects is partly linked to the innovation of the cuticle, which underlies a complex exoskeleton with varied functions. Cuticle development is costly because chitin and cuticular proteins require ingested nitrogen. Studying cuticle thickness on a comparative basis allows insight into the trade-off between offspring quality and quantity. This trade-off takes a particular meaning in ant workers because they are...