Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2005) 117, 89-93

C.G.S. Marinho, T.M.C. Della Lucia, R.N.C. Guedes, M.M.R. Ribeiro and E.R. Lima (2005)
ß-eudesmol-induced aggression in the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 117 (1), 89-93
Abstract: Leaf-cutting ants are highly polyphagous insects, but some plants escape their attack due to the presence of secondary metabolites that are toxic to the ant-fungus symbiosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the terpenoid ß-eudesmol extracted from Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) is responsible for the deleterious behavior in colonies of leaf-cutting ant species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ß-eudesmol on workers of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). This chemical caused behavioral modification in the colonies, leading to mutilation and death of workers. It is suggested that ß-eudesmol interferes with colony nestmate recognition. As a consequence, colony cohesion may be disrupted by ß-eudesmol what could be used as an additional control tactic against this important pest ant.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Terezinha M.C. Della Lucia, Raul Narciso C. Guedes

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Atta sexdens