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The chemical basis for the use of citrus pulp as a fungus garden substrate by the leaf-cutting ants Atta cephalotes (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

A. Mudd ,
D. J. Peregrine  and
J. M. Cherrett
A. Mudd
Affiliation:
Department of InsecticIdes and Fungicides, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts., UK
D. J. Peregrine
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Zoology, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
J. M. Cherrett
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Zoology, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
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Abstract

Components of dried citrus pulp were isolated and tested for arrestant activity for Atta cephalores (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich). Both lipid and non-lipid components contributed to the acceptability of the pulp. Arrestant activity was greater in the non-lipid fraction. Sucrose was found to be the most active single component of the non-lipids. The arrestant properties of the pulp were attributable to the particular balance of constituents rather than to any single component. The results are compared with the response of other insects to similar phytochemical stimuli.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 68 , Issue 4 , December 1978 , pp. 673 - 685
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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