Abstract
This review updates and summarizes the current knowledge about the interaction of leaf-cutter ants and their parasitoids by providing comparable data forAcromyrmexandAttaants. First, an overview of the relevant aspects of the biology and taxonomy of leaf cutters and of their parasitoids is provided. Second, I show the peculiarities of the parasitoids attacking behaviors towards their host as well as the responses or ant defenses against the phorids exhibited by their hosts. Third, I discuss relevant aspects of the interactions between hosts and parasitoids. Finally, the review ends demonstrating why these phorids could be promising biological control agents of leaf-cutter pests and suggests priority lines of research for the future.
Highlights
Since the Feener Jr. and Brown [1] review discussion on flies as parasitoids, there has not been a comprehensive review on Phoridae (Diptera) parasitoids specialized on attacking adult ant workers
The literature is vast and dispersed there is a review about Pseudacteon biology and interaction with fire ants [2]
The mentioned work includes some biological data about parasitoids of Atta, mainly from the laboratory, but a comprehensive review about their biology and ecological interaction with their hosts, including data of Acromyrmex, has not been done
Summary
Since the Feener Jr. and Brown [1] review discussion on flies as parasitoids, there has not been a comprehensive review on Phoridae (Diptera) parasitoids specialized on attacking adult ant workers. Phorids attacking fire ants are the ones most extensively studied due to their application in biological control. The literature is vast and dispersed there is a review about Pseudacteon biology and interaction with fire ants [2]. Until more information is gathered, generalizations will not be possible for these groups. Hsun-Yi and Perfecto [8] have done an interesting review on indirect trait mediated effects of parasitoids on ants showing general patterns such as a reduction in ant’s foraging activity, body sizes as well as the amount of food retrieved by colonies. The mentioned work includes some biological data about parasitoids of Atta, mainly from the laboratory, but a comprehensive review about their biology and ecological interaction with their hosts, including data of Acromyrmex, has not been done. This review will summarize the current information about this system and will identify key questions and gaps of knowledge where researchers should focus attention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
