Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Effect on Invertebrate Decomposers of Carrion in Central Texas

Abstract

Field experiments that limited access to carrion by Solenopsis invicta Buren, the red imported fire ant, were used to determine effects of invasion by fire ants on invertebrate carrion decomposers under conditions of scarce and abundant resources. Under conditions of scarce resources, fire ants drastically altered both community composition and the process of succession within the decomposer community. Under conditions of abundant resources, fire ants significantly altered population levels of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Staphylidae, Silphidae, and Histeridae. Furtthermore, the presence of fire ants altered the patterns of succession as shown by the temporal shifts in total number of larvae. The ecological significance of these changes were examined in the context of equilibrium and nonequilibrium theories of community composition.