Abstract
The gustatory response of Solenopsis sacvissima richteri Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to 100-millimolar concentrations of various electrolytes was determined to establish the ants' order of preference. The results were obtained by counting the ants drinking each solution at 4 consecutive 15-minute intervals. The greatest responses were to the carbonates and hydroxides. The order of preference for the cations was Zn++> Mg++> NH4 +> Ca++= Al+++= Ba++> Cu++> H+≥ Li+≥ K+> Fe+++. The preference for sodium was variable. In general, most electrolytes were less acceptable than water. At 1-millimolar concentrations most of the electrolytes failed to elicit a response different from that to water.
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