Parasitoids deter foraging by Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) in their native habitat in Brazil |
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Authors: | Matthew R Orr Sergio H Seike |
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Institution: | University of California, Division of Insect Biology, 201 Wellman Hall #3112, Berkeley, CA 94720-3112, USA e-mail: morr@nature.berkeley.edu, Fax: 510-642-0875, US LIIP, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Caixa Postal 6109, 13083-970 Campinas, S?o Paulo, Brazil, BR
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Abstract: | The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, has invaded sites across Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America. In its introduced ranges it eliminates native ants
and tends agricultural pests. Few studies have examined the ecology of Argentine ants in their native habitat. This study
examined the effects of parasitoid flies, genus Pseudacteon, on the foraging behavior of Argentine ants in part of their native range in southern Brazil. Pseudacteon parasitoids commonly attacked Argentine ants, but not other ant species, in daylight at temperatures above 18°C. Argentine
ants abandoned food resources and returned underground in the presence of parasitoids. Parasitoid attack rates diminished
as Argentine ants retreated underground. Where parasitoids were present, Argentine ants were abundant at food resources only
during times of day when parasitoids were inactive. Where parasitoids were absent, Argentine ants were abundant at food resources
throughout the day. Overall, the presence of parasitoids explained observed variation in Argentine ant foraging far better
than temperature, although temperature had some effect. The results suggest that Pseudacteon parasitoids inhibit the ability of Argentine ants to gather food resources in their native habitat in Brazil.
Received: 11 December 1997 / Accepted: 12 June 1998 |
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Keywords: | Parasitism Foraging South America Linepithema humile Pseudacteon |
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