Imported crazy ant displaces imported fire ant, reduces and homogenizes grassland ant and arthropod assemblages

LeBrun, Edward G.; Abbott, John C.; Gilbert, Lawrence E.

doi:10.1007/s10530-013-0463-6

Cited by 66 publications

(82 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Unlike the tremendously dense, invasive populations of N. fulva that locally displace S. invicta from sites in the southeastern USA (LeBrun et al 2013), sparse populations of native formicines could not have excluded S. invicta during its invasion of North America. However, they may have resisted displacement during the early phase of the S. invicta invasion better than non-formicines.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widespread Chemical Detoxification of Alkaloid Venom by Formicine Ants

et al. 2015

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The ability to detoxify defensive compounds of competitors provides key ecological advantages that can influence community-level processes. Although common in plants and bacteria, this type of detoxification interaction is extremely rare in animals. Here, using laboratory behavioral assays and analyses of videotaped interactions in South America, we report widespread venom detoxification among ants in the subfamily Formicinae. Across both data sets, nine formicine species, representing all major clades, used a stereotyped grooming behavior to self-apply formic acid (acidopore grooming) in response to fire ant (Solenopsis invicta and S. saevissima) venom exposure. In laboratory assays, this behavior increased the survivorship of species following exposure to S. invicta venom. Species expressed the behavior when exposed to additional alkaloid venoms, including both compositionally similar piperidine venom of an additional fire ant species and the pyrrolidine/pyrroline alkaloid venom of a Monomorium species. In addition, species expressed the behavior following exposure to the uncharacterized venom of a Crematogaster species. However, species did not express acidopore grooming when confronted with protein-based ant venoms or when exposed to monoterpenoid-based venom. This pattern, combined with the specific chemistry of the reaction of formic acid with venom alkaloids, indicates that alkaloid venoms are targets of detoxification grooming. Solenopsis thief ants, and Monomorium species stand out as brood-predators of formicine ants that produce piperidine, pyrrolidine, and pyrroline venom, providing an important ecological context for the use of detoxification behavior. Detoxification behavior also represents a mechanism that can influence the order of assemblage dominance hierarchies surrounding food competition. Thus, this behavior likely influences ant-assemblages through a variety of ecological pathways.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widespread Chemical Detoxification of Alkaloid Venom by Formicine Ants

et al. 2015

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“…A more specifi c interaction between tramp ants in Texas showed that the spread at high density of the recently (around 2002) introduced Nylanderia fulva can eliminate Red imported fi re ant ( Solenopsis invicta ) and replace it as the dominant invasive ant in the region (LeBruhn et al 2013 ). Earlier in its history in the region, S. invicta had displaced both the Argentine ant and the Black imported fi re ant ( Solenopsis richteri ) to become the then dominant species.…”

Section: Antsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Removal of local or regional species, whilst not affecting globally distributed tramp species, has signifi cant implications for ecological integrity and is coupled with wider reductions in arthropod abundance. Other studies cited by LeBruhn et al ( 2013 ) attributed resistance of small-bodied ants to displacement by several key invasive species to either (1) their underground foraging affording protection or (2) being opportunists or cryptic species, but also suggested the alternative of them being resistant to nest-raiding. Small body size had been demonstrated as important in establishment of tramp ants, leading to assemblages that contain many introduced species.…”

Section: Antsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alien Insects and Insect Conservation

New

2016

Alien Species and Insect Conservation

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“…As one of primary defense mechanisms, defensive secretions often determine the outcome of interspecific competition between ants [10]- [13]. Many ants compete with S. invicta [14]- [24] with one prominent example being the tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva (Mayr). Tawny crazy ant is an ant species reported to be able to displace S. invicta in the field [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxicity and Efficacy of Two Emulsifiable Concentrates of 2-Tridecanone against Red Imported Fire Ants

Chen¹

2016

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Abstract2-tridecanone is a major constitute of defensive secretion in tawny crazy ants, Nylanderia fulva that is an ant species reported to be able to displace red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta in the field. 2-tridecanone was proven to be toxic to S. invicta. Although 2-tridecanone is commercially available, utilization of this naturally occurring compound in fire ant management has received little attention. In this study, toxicity and efficacy of two 2-tridecanone formulations were assessed against S. invicta. Two emulsifiable concentrates were prepared using 2-tridecanone as an active ingredient, vegetable oil as a solvent and polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether as a surfactant. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was used as a synergist in one formulation. Both formulations showed significant toxicity in laboratory bioassays. In a field trial, at application rate of 5.28 mL/L and 14 days after mound drench treatment, 100% control was achieved for formulation with PBO and 90% control for the formulation without PBO. In conclusion, both formulations had significant efficacy against S. invicta. Due to the low mammalian toxicity of 2-tridecanone, no involvement of hazardous synthetic organic solvents, no phytotoxicity at applied concentrations, and relatively low cost, both formulations are promising alternatives to commercial insecticide products for fire ant mound drench. The outstanding efficacy of both formulations observed in this study warrants further research on their efficacy against other pest insects.

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Imported crazy ant displaces imported fire ant, reduces and homogenizes grassland ant and arthropod assemblages

Cited by 66 publications

References 36 publications

Widespread Chemical Detoxification of Alkaloid Venom by Formicine Ants

Widespread Chemical Detoxification of Alkaloid Venom by Formicine Ants

Alien Insects and Insect Conservation

Toxicity and Efficacy of Two Emulsifiable Concentrates of 2-Tridecanone against Red Imported Fire Ants

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