Journal of Applied Entomology (2007) 131, 740-743

J. Le Breton, A. Dejean, G. Snelling and J. Orivel (2007)
Specialized predation on Wasmannia auropunctata by the army ant species Neivamyrmex compressinodis
Journal of Applied Entomology 131 (9-10), 740-743
Abstract: We report here the first case of an efficient and specialized predator of the invasive ant species Wasmannia auropunctata: the army ant Neivamyrmex compressinodis. Our results are based on a study that we conducted in French Guiana, a part of the Wasmannia's native range. When N. compressinodis workers attacked W. auropunctata nests, the assaulted workers panicked and left the nests, some of them carrying brood. Nevertheless, during its raids on W. auropunctata, N. compressinodis was able to capture nearly all of the W. auropunctata brood and winged sexuals, whereas none of the attacks by N. compressinodis on other sympatric ant species were successful. Laboratory experiments revealed that the workers of eight compared sympatric species attacked the N. compressinodis individuals and that N. compressinodis workers accepted W. auropunctata brood as well as that of most of the tested species, showing that its specificity probably depends on the reaction of the W. auropunctata workers.
(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:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Wasmannia auropunctata		French Guiana
Neivamyrmex compressinodis (predator)	Wasmannia auropunctata		French Guiana