Journal of Applied Entomology (2007) 131, 625-629

A. Dejean, M. Kenne and C.S. Moreau (2007)
Predatory abilities favour the success of the invasive ant Pheidole megacephala in an introduced area
Journal of Applied Entomology 131 (9-10), 625-629
Abstract: The invasive African big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala, is a dominant species in the many areas it has invaded. We examined whether one potential reason for its ecological success might be its predatory efficiency. We compared the density of termite nests in an area of Mexico invaded by P. megacephala with an adjacent area where P. megacephala is not present. We also compared the success of P. megacephala in preying on termites with that of 13 native ant species. We found that termite nest density was significantly lower in areas invaded by P. megacephala (0.33 vs. 1.05 nests per 30 m transect). In field trials, we established that P. megacephala workers were significantly more successful at capturing termite workers from termite nest fragments than even the most successful native ant species, Dorymyrmex pyramicus. For both P. megacephala and D. pyramicus, single scouts could trigger the mass recruitment of nestmates, but P. megacephala was able to recruit greater numbers of nestmates. Combined with their aggressiveness towards other ant species, their highly efficient predatory capacities help explain the ecological success of P. megacephala and demonstrate how it can be a major threat to invertebrate biodiversity in the areas it invades.
(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): Alain Dejean

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Pheidole megacephala		Mexico