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Assessment of the behaviour patterns of the lemon leaf-cutting ant, Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), to natural sources of allelochemicals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Fernando J.M. Sales
Fernando J.M. Sales*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, The University, Southampton, UK
*
Dr Fernando J M. Sales, Federal University of Ceará, Agricultural Entomology Laboratory, C.P. 12168, 60451-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Abstract

Reactions of the lemon leaf-cutting ant, Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, to natural sources of allelochemicals has been investigated at the University of Southampton. A linear hypothesis model in a randomized block design of a factorial experiment was utilized to assess the responses of the ants to the treatment combinations. When workers were offered flowers and leaves of the specified plant species simultaneously with mesocarp and endocarp of orange, they exhibited a consistent preference for the flowers. Flower fragments comprised 93.64% of the experimental material brought to the nest, leaves 6.20%, orange mesocarp 0.04% and orange endocarp 0.12%. Deterrent effects were noticed in leaves of Scilla spp. (Liliaceae) and the ants were chemically stimulated to explore, cut and transport the highly attractive flowers of Mahonia aquifolium (Berberidaceae).

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 84 , Issue 1 , March 1994 , pp. 91 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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