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Arid zone ant communities of Western AustraliaGunawardene, Nihara January 2003 (has links)
This thesis is prepared in three parts; the first part is a study of the ant species of the southern Carnarvon Basin, which was undertaken in order to determine the patterns of ant species distribution in this arid zone area. The distribution patterns were looked at in terms of biogeographical regions and they demonstrated the transitional nature of this particular area. Recommendations to alter the border between the South-west Province and the Eremaean Province were supported. The next chapter of this thesis analysed ant species from long unburnt and burnt areas of three main vegetation types (two Triodia species grasslands and Acacia aneura woodlands) in the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve. This study was carried out to observe the recovery of ant populations after fire. The results provided further evidence that invertebrates are measurably impacted by fire in the arid zone. The final chapter is a comparison of these two arid zone studies with six other ant community studies from throughout Western Australia. It demonstrated the uniqueness of some arid zone sites as well as related each study to each other according to their ant communities.
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Mating flight initiation and nutritional status of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) alates infected with Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporida: Thelohaniidae)Overton, Katherine Jane 17 February 2005 (has links)
Thelohania solenopsae Knell, Allen and Hazard, is a microsporidian pathogen that infects the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren. This four part study examined the effects that T. solenopsae had on fire ant queens as they matured for their mating flights. For the first study, a total of 878 alates were collected at two timed intervals during a nuptial flight and after to determine if T. solenopsae affected their ability to initiate a mating flight. Infection rates in alates that left the colony early during a flight were 23.75% while alates that did not leave the colony were 66.16%. Two other studies examined whether T. solenopsae affected protein and lipid stores in future queens. Protein stores were not significantly different in infected and uninfected ants, while lipid stores were significantly less in alates that were infected with T. solenopsae (10.69% in infected versus 13.98% in uninfected). The final analysis was done with all of the combined data, which showed that alates infected with T. solenopsae were significantly smaller than uninfected alates.
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Field evaluation of aerial applications of hydramethylnon and metaflumizone to control the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Buren) and related ant species (Hymenoptera: formicidae)Thompson, Aaron Neal 15 May 2009 (has links)
The red imported fire ant (RIFA) was introduced to the United States from South
America over 75 years ago, and has become a pest in wildlife settings. Hydramethylnon
fire ant bait has been the industry standard for controlling the red imported fire ant. It can
be compared to novel baits, and used to evaluate different aerial application techniques,
such as the "skip swath" method. Two baits, hydramethylnon and metaflumizone, and a
skipped-swath method were evaluated through observations of the activity levels of RIFA
mounds and abundance. The effects of RIFA on other ant species were determined by
eliminating RIFA with insecticides, and then sampling for all remaining ant species.
Measurements of RIFA mound activity was done by recording their response to the
vibration of wire flags located in active mounds. This method indicated control of RIFA
with hydramethylnon and metaflumizone from 61 to 180 d post-treatment. Additional
monitoring for RIFA activity, in the same plots, was done with baited vials. These results
indicated that complete control of RIFA was never achieved with either hydramethylnon
or metaflumizone within 180 d post-treatment; however, there were significant reductions
in RIFA population as a result of both chemical baits from 3-92 d post-treatment. A reduction of RIFA populations occurred with both baits, as determined through scheduled
sampling of all ant species using baited vials. Native ants, such as Dorymyrmex spp.,
were found in higher numbers once RIFA populations were reduced, indicating that the
two ant species compete for resources such as food and space. Dorymyrmex spp.
numbers were suppressed by RIFA populations, while other ants, such as Paratrechina
spp. were unaffected.
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Mating flight initiation and nutritional status of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) alates infected with Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporida: Thelohaniidae)Overton, Katherine Jane 17 February 2005 (has links)
Thelohania solenopsae Knell, Allen and Hazard, is a microsporidian pathogen that infects the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren. This four part study examined the effects that T. solenopsae had on fire ant queens as they matured for their mating flights. For the first study, a total of 878 alates were collected at two timed intervals during a nuptial flight and after to determine if T. solenopsae affected their ability to initiate a mating flight. Infection rates in alates that left the colony early during a flight were 23.75% while alates that did not leave the colony were 66.16%. Two other studies examined whether T. solenopsae affected protein and lipid stores in future queens. Protein stores were not significantly different in infected and uninfected ants, while lipid stores were significantly less in alates that were infected with T. solenopsae (10.69% in infected versus 13.98% in uninfected). The final analysis was done with all of the combined data, which showed that alates infected with T. solenopsae were significantly smaller than uninfected alates.
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Spread of Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, in Virginia and effects of sub-lethal exposure to agrochemicals on its behaviorMalone, Morgan Le Fae 14 January 2022 (has links)
Solenopsis invicta is an invasive ant that has caused detrimental impacts to ecosystems and economies in the Southeastern United States, recently including Virginia. In this study, we explored the invasion ecology of S. invicta through two main objectives. First, we established a comprehensive distribution map of S. invicta in Virginia through multiple survey techniques. We then compared our findings with published models quantifying the potential spread of S. invicta and created our own species distribution model. In 2020-2021, S. invicta occurrences were found in 7 counties beyond the current Quarantine and our data show that S. invicta has spread further than predicted. Our own species distribution model suggests that the distribution area for S. invicta is likely to increase under the projected climate change. This study provides insights into the range expansion of S. invicta at the border of its suitable habitat and allow for improvements to models of its spread under these conditions. Additionally, it provides useful information to inform county extension agents to know where they are to expect new infestations of S. invicta. Second, we investigated the impacts of pesticide residue on the behavior of S. invicta through neonicotinoid exposure. We found detectable levels of neonicotinoids in the soil of the ant mounds as well as in the ants themselves. In addition, we investigated the effects of dietary exposure to imidacloprid on foraging behavior in a laboratory setting. We found that unexposed colonies were able to locate the food source more quickly during the second trial while exposed ants were unable to improve their performance. We also found that more exposed ant workers were unable to successfully navigate the maze as compared to unexposed workers. Our results suggest impaired learning of maze tasks and impaired navigational skills in neonicotinoid-exposed ants. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is an invasive ant species found throughout the Southeastern United States that has negatively impacted ecosystems and economies. In the past few decades, RIFA has invaded the Coastal Plain of Virginia, resulting in legislation that restricts the movements of soil, plant products, and some equipment in and out of several southeastern counties and independent cities. To develop better management practices, there is a critical need to understand the spread, establishment, and impacts of RIFA in greater detail. We aimed to do this by surveying the current distribution of RIFA in Virginia and investigate the impact of insecticide use on their spread and behavior. In 2020-2021, we found RIFA occurrences in 7 counties beyond the current Quarantine, which is further than previously predicted. We then built a model using climatic variables that predicts the distribution of RIFA and found their habitable range is likely to increase under the projected climate change. Additionally, we investigated the impacts of common agricultural pesticides on the behavior of RIFA. We found these chemicals present in both the soil of the ant mounds and in the ants themselves. We also found that dietary exposure to imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, altered the foraging behavior of RIFA. This study provides useful information to advise county extension agents to know where they are to expect new infestations of RIFA. Our results also suggest that human activity alters the invasion ecology of recent arrivals such as the red imported fire ant.
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Dynamics of tritrophic interactions between solenopsis invicta, antonina graminis, and neodusmetia sangwani: do fire ants negatively impact the success of a biological control system?Chantos, Jillian Marie 15 May 2009 (has links)
Solenopsis invicta, the red imported fire ant, has recently become associated with Antonina graminis, an invasive pest, and Neodusmetia sangwani, biological control agent, and maybe negatively affecting established biological control. A preliminary survey outlined the range of A. graminis and its parasitoids, and found N. sangwani was present at a reduced rate in South Texas and in the southeastern United States. A greenhouse experiment demonstrated that S. invicta decreased the rate of parasitism of A. graminis by N. sangwani, with S. invicta directly interfering with oviposition. Interactions between S. invicta and A. gaminis may be facilitating the spread and establishment of two invasive pests which has a negative impact on established classical biological control of A. graminis by N. sangwani.
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Dynamics of tritrophic interactions between solenopsis invicta, antonina graminis, and neodusmetia sangwani: do fire ants negatively impact the success of a biological control system?Chantos, Jillian Marie 15 May 2009 (has links)
Solenopsis invicta, the red imported fire ant, has recently become associated with Antonina graminis, an invasive pest, and Neodusmetia sangwani, biological control agent, and maybe negatively affecting established biological control. A preliminary survey outlined the range of A. graminis and its parasitoids, and found N. sangwani was present at a reduced rate in South Texas and in the southeastern United States. A greenhouse experiment demonstrated that S. invicta decreased the rate of parasitism of A. graminis by N. sangwani, with S. invicta directly interfering with oviposition. Interactions between S. invicta and A. gaminis may be facilitating the spread and establishment of two invasive pests which has a negative impact on established classical biological control of A. graminis by N. sangwani.
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Study of Midgut Bacteria in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Büren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)Medina, Freder 2010 May 1900 (has links)
Ants are capable of building close associations with plants, insects, fungi and bacteria. Symbionts can provide essential nutrients to their insect host, however, the development of new molecular tools has allowed the discovery of new microorganisms that manipulate insect reproduction, development and even provide defense against parasitoids and pathogens. In this study we investigated the presence of bacteria inside the Red Imported Fire Ant midgut using molecular tools and transmission electron microscopy. The midgut bacteria were also characterized by their morphology, biochemical activity, and antibiotic resistance profile.
After isolation, culture, and characterization of these bacteria, the molecular analysis revealed ten unique profiles which were identified to at least the genus level, Enterococcus sp./durans, Klebsiella ornithinolytica, Kluyvera cryocrescens, Lactococ-cus garvieae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Bacillus pumilus, Listeria innucua, Serratia marcescens, and an uncultured bacterium from the Entero-bacteriaceae. New SEM and TEM techniques revealed a possible functional association of endosymbiotic bacteria with the insect host, and it also showed the absence of bacteriocytes in the epithelial cells of the midgut. The PCR results, from the bacteria abundance and distribution studies, showed that Enterococcus sp., Kluyvera cryocres-cens and Lactococcus garvieae are the most abundant species, but they are not consistently found in all sites throughout the southeastern United States.
Kluyvera cryocrescens, Serratia marcescens, and an uncultured bacterium (isolate #38: Enterobacteriaceae) were genetically modified with the plasmid vector pZeoDsRed and successfully reintroduced into fire ant colonies. Strong fluorescence of DsRed was detected up to seven days after introduction. The transformed bacteria can still be rescued after pupal emergence; however most were passed out in the meconium. We further demonstrated that nurses contributed to the spread of the transformed bacteria within the colony by feeding the meconium to naive larvae.
Although the role of midgut bacteria in the fire ant is still unknown, we have no indication that they cause any pathology. Studies emphasizing the role of these bacteria in fire ant physiology are still ongoing. These results are the foundation for a fire ant biological control program using endosymbiotic bacteria as vectors to introduce foreign genes that express proteins with insecticidal properties.
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Red imported fire ant impact on native ants and litter removal in the post oak savannah of central TexasBedford, Theresa Louise 16 August 2006 (has links)
I examined the impacts of the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis
invicta) on native ants (Monomorium minimum, Paratrechina sp., S. krockowi, Pheidole
metallescens, Forelius pruinosus, and Camponotus americanus) and litter removal in a
post oak savannah community in central Texas. The study site was divided into 3
adjacent areas, and ant-toxic bait was used, along with additional colonies of RIFA, to
establish 3 different densities of RIFA (naturally occurring, low, and high). I surveyed
the ants in the 3 density areas and calculated the catch per unit effort for each species.
Litter baits were placed in the 3 density areas for 14 12-hour trials. The masses of the
litter removed were measured, and means were calculated for each speciesdensity/
trial/date/period/bait combination. The average amounts of litter removed by
RIFA and native ant were different in the 3 density areas (0.42 g, 0.0 g, and 0.75 g for
RIFA in the natural RIFA density area, low RIFA density area, and high RIFA density
area, respectively; 0.0 g, 0.16 g, and 0.15 g for native ants in the natural RIFA density
area, low RIFA density area, and high RIFA density area, respectively), indicating that
RIFA does have an effect on native ant habitat use.
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Utilization and evaluation of an indoxacarb-based granular bait (Advion) developed for the control of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)Furman, Barry D. 17 September 2007 (has links)
This research evaluated the new red imported fire ant (RIFA) bait Advionâ¢.
Advion⢠contains the active ingredient indoxacarb which, following ingestion, must be
metabolized into an N-decarbomethoxyllated metabolite known as JT333 in order to
become acutely toxic. Laboratory experimentation was conducted to determine the most
effective chemical form and concentration of indoxacarb, as well as the most appropriate
grit size, for use in Advionâ¢. The results indicated that Advion⢠containing indoxacarb
was more effective than Advion⢠containing JT333, that 0.10%, 0.06%, and 0.045%
were the most effective concentrations of indoxacarb, and that standard sized grit (~2
mm) was more effective than small sized grit (<1 mm).
Field experimentation was conducted to determine the most effective concentration
and quantity of Advionâ¢, as well as the most effective placement of the bait, for
obtaining maximum control of RIFA colonies via individual mound treatments. The
results indicated that 10 g (2 Tbsp) of 0.045% Advion⢠placed around the mound in a
circle with a radius of 0.5-3.0 m was the most effective manner in which to treat
individual RIFA mounds. Field experimentation was also conducted to compare the
effectiveness of label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion⢠to the effectiveness of both label-rate broadcast treatment with Amdroî and pre-baiting broadcast treatment with
Advionâ¢. Both pre-baiting broadcast treatment and label-rate broadcast treatment with
Advion⢠ultimately resulted in 98-99% RIFA colony mortality, which was significantly
greater than the 87% colony mortality resulting from broadcast treatment with Amdroî.
The 6.2 d LT90 for label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion⢠was nearly one half that
of the LT90 for pre-baiting broadcast treatment.
Laboratory experimentation was conducted to determine whether RIFA workers were
capable of metabolizing indoxacarb into the toxic metabolite, and the results clearly
indicated that they were. Finally, field experimentation was conducted to evaluate the
effectiveness of label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion⢠at controlling multiple ant
species. The results indicated that label-rate broadcast treatment with Advion⢠resulted
in control of the RIFA and Pogonomyrmex barbatus for at least 7 wk, and Monomorium
pharaonis and Dorymyrmex pyramicus for some period of time between 3 and 7 wk.
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