We introduce a simple mathematical model of regulation of division of labour in insect societies based on the notion of fixed response thresholds. Individuals with different thresholds respond differently to task-associated stimuli. Low-threshold individuals become involved at a lower level of...

A simple response threshold model is used to explain a pattern of division of labour observed in the ponerine ant Ectatomma ruidum, where it was found that prey-foraging behaviour could be subdivided into two categories: stinging and transporting. Stingers kill live prey and transporters carry...