Abstract
This study aims to identify the species of leafcutter ants, the infestation rate and the spatial distribution of anthills in forest plantations in Alta Floresta-MT. The samples were collected in five plots, with I and II being a Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrid plantation, III a consortium of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) and rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), IV and V plots of Tectona grandis. The size of the anthills were measured, obtaining the area in square meters of loose ground, were classified into size classes I: ≤ 1 m2; class II: 1.1 to 2.9 m2; class III: 3 to 8.9 m2; class IV: 9 to 25 m2 e class V: > 25 m2. To calculate dispersion, the Dispersion (DI) and Morisita Index (IϬ) were used. Only one species was observed in all plots (Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908). 838 nests were mapped in the five sampled plots, the total average density of anthills found in the plots was 26 anthills/ha. The average total area of loose soil occupied by anthills was 590.05 m2, the distribution of anthills between size classes showed 86.87% disproportion with the anthills in class I. The distribution of the anthills in the five plots that were evaluated were of the aggregate type, following the Morisita Index and the Dispersion index.
Highlights
With the growing demand for timber and the decrease in the exploitation of native forests, forest plantations have become an important source of wood products
The fact is that forest plantations are a renewable source of raw material with rapid growth, and each year its cultivation is increased in Brazil and in the State of Mato Grosso (FAMATO, 2013)
838 anthills were found in the five plots assessed, totaling 47.43 anthills/ha, but only one species of leafcutter ant was found and identified, Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908, better known as lemon ants
Summary
With the growing demand for timber and the decrease in the exploitation of native forests, forest plantations have become an important source of wood products. According to FAMATO (2013) in recent years, native logging showed a drop in the production of charcoal, firewood and roundwood in the country of 47%, 14% and 14%, respectively. Production in forestry showed growth in all modes, and 8% for charcoal, 32% for firewood and 20% for roundwood, the latter being divided between pulp and paper and other uses. The fact is that forest plantations are a renewable source of raw material with rapid growth, and each year its cultivation is increased in Brazil and in the State of Mato Grosso (FAMATO, 2013). With the increase in forested areas, the increase of entomological problems is observed, and even today, leafcutter ants are considered the main group of forest pests
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