Journal of Hymenoptera Research (2016) 50, 117-128

Wilson Nene, Gration M. Rwegasira, Maulid Mwatawala, Mogens Gissel Nielsen and Joachim Offenberg (2016)
Foraging behavior and preferences for alternative supplementary feeds by the African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda Latreille (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Journal of Hymenoptera Research 50, 117-128
Abstract: Weaver ants, Oecophylla spp, are effective predators that control a wide range of insect pests in multiple crops when maintained at high population. Supplementary feeding, particularly during reduced food availability is one of the management practices that maintain and boost weaver ants' populations. Experiments were conducted between September and October 2013, January and February, 2014 to determine the type of food preferred by weaver ants, O. longinoda. Twenty colonies of O. longinoda were provided with four types of food to determine their feeding preferences. These include anchovy, chicken intestine, fish intestines and earthworms. We examined food preferred by ants based on weight of the food removed and activity of the ants on foods. Furthermore, we examined foraging behavior of ant workers on anchovy food (fresh-ground and dry-ground) in nine O. longinoda colonies. Thereafter, small and large particles of dried-ground anchovy were tested. The results showed that O. longinoda preferred anchovy to other foods provided. However, the results of Analytical Hierarchy Process showed that earthworm and fish intestine were the most accessible food types by farmers, as determined by availability, affordability and applicability. We observed more ants on fresh-ground as opposed to dry anchovy; similarly, large particles were more easily removed than was the case with small particles. Thus, during reduced food availability, farmers in the study area should use earthworms and fish intestines feeds to supplement O. longinoda colonies. Fresh moist anchovy or dry anchovy of large particle sizes can be used where available.
(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): Maulid W. Mwatawala, Joachim Offenberg

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
application technology

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Oecophylla longinoda (predator)			Tanzania