Leaf-cutting ant (Atta laevigata Smith) in an African mahogany plantation in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Rodolfo Molinário De Souza,Andressa Ribeiro,Antonio Carlos Ferraz Filho

doi:10.12741/ebrasilis.v14.e954

Rodolfo Molinário De Souza, Andressa Ribeiro + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12741/ebrasilis.v14.e954

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Journal: EntomoBrasilis	Publication Date: Oct 19, 2021
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidade Federal do Piauí

Abstract

Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. (Meliaceae), known as African mahogany, is used in the establishment of commercial plantations for high-value timber production. This work aims to report the first occurrence of the genus Atta in a commercial plantation of this species. An ant nest mound with 105 m2 of loose soil and five active ant holes were observed. Leaves cut into crescent shaped sections and pieces of young branches were found near these holes, in addition to trees with the apical part of their crown partially defoliated. The collected specimens were identified as Atta laevigata Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini), locally known as the glass-head leaf-cutting ant.

Highlights

Frican mahogany, which belongs to the genus Khaya Given that the success of the control of leaf-cutting ants is (Meliaceae), is the common name of tree species dependent on the occurring species, its correct identification with recognized logging potential, most notable of is important to support sustainable and integrated pest which are the species Khaya anthoteca (Welw.) C
Offers adaptation opportunities for native insects, which can use various parts of the tree as resources for feeding and oviposition, thereby becoming potential pests. An example of this is the occurrence of the Meliaceae shoot borer attacking the fruits, seeds (Lemes et al 2019) and shoots (Zanetti et al 2017) of the trees in African mahogany plantations in Brazil
The ant nest mound was found inside a 9.3-year-old K. grandifoliola stand (50 ha), planted with 6 x 6 m spacing

Summary

Introduction

Frican mahogany, which belongs to the genus Khaya Given that the success of the control of leaf-cutting ants is (Meliaceae), is the common name of tree species dependent on the occurring species, its correct identification with recognized logging potential, most notable of is important to support sustainable and integrated pest which are the species Khaya anthoteca (Welw.) C. At 17:00 h on 10 July 2019, the presence of an ant nest mound with 105 m2 of loose soil (7 x 15 m) was observed (46°27’28’’ W; 20°06’28” S and 852 m altitude, Figure 1A). Five active ant holes located 5 m, 6 m, 12 m, 21 m and 40 m away from the area of loose soil were observed (Figures 1B and 1C).

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Conclusion