RNA-Sequencing of ant queens in a food restriction and egg removal experiment

Social insect queens display a reversed pattern: a positive association between lifespan and reproduction. We analyzed here molecular processes allowing social insect queens to circumvent the longevity-fecundity trade-off. We experimentally tested the impact of egg removal and dietary restriction on queen fecundity and investigated associated changes in fat body gene expression in Temnothorax rugatulus ant queens.