Ant Eggs Research Articles

Evaluation of nutritive values of various non-conventional protein sources as potential feed ingredients for ruminants

Abstract. Samadi, Wajizah S, Pratama SM, Jayanegara A. 2023. Evaluation of nutritive values of various non-conventional protein sources as potential feed ingredients for ruminants. Biodiversitas 24: 4069-4078. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritive values of various non-conventional protein sources as potential ingredients for ruminants, including chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation, and methane emissions. Seven various non-conventional protein sources; grasshopper meal (GM), earthworm meal (EWM), fish by-product meal (FbPM), centipede meal (CM), snail meal (SM), ant eggs meal (AEM), mealworm meal (MWM) and one conventional protein source; soybean meal (SBM) were used in this study. All samples were dried at the temperature of 60oC for 24h and ground by the use of a hammer mill to pass a 1 mm sieve. The ground samples were utilized for further analysis, including chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation, and methane emissions. Incubation was conducted with three replications in the water bath and temperature was maintained at 39ºC for 48h. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16 and the difference between treatments was stated (P<0.05). The results of the study indicated that all the samples contained various CP. The NDICP and ADICP in samples were low. All samples had high IVDMD and IVOMD, the highest in FbPM (P<0.01). Methane emission of the samples was lower than SBM (P<0.01).

Reimaging the value of degraded ecosystems: From trash to treasure

Land developers often see degraded ecosystems such as patchwork forests and roadside wetlands as prime locations for conversion projects (i.e., roads, housing, or solar farms). Although these resources convey a negative image, “worthless” lands supply basic goods and services for impoverished people during times of hardship. This study reimaged degraded ecosystems with respect to their social value using onsite observations and economic models at several locations in northeast Thailand. Food provisioning was the key ecosystem service. For example, small bogs and remnant trees along roadsides are valuable sources of fish, fruits, and vegetables. Dry Dipterocarp forests and wetlands contribute to subsistence living for rural villagers and those near suburban areas, accounting for 5–46% of annual household income. One tree can provide a measurable source of revenue. Individuals could earn up to 100 Thai Baht (∼US $3 per day; about 1/3 of the national daily wage) for harvesting ant eggs or about 300 Thai Baht per day for gathering mushrooms, vegetables, and other non-timber forest products. Re-thinking the value of degraded ecosystems does not require lofty goals for restoring these resources. Initial steps could include agroforestry practices and planting native food trees: wood-based solutions, to gain community support.

Food for Feeding Red-Whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus Pattani)

Food of an economic bird, Red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus pattani), was investigated since November 2017 – August 2018 in yala province, Thailand. They were studied by applying survey method. The samples were the red-whiskered bulbul caretakers selected by convenience sampling. Deep Interview and rating scale questionnaires were used as research tools to find the kind of food for most likely tendency by average and percentages. The results showed that 98 percent of samples were male, their education level were undergraduate and lower. The average income was between 10,000 - 30,000 baht. The majority of food which the caretakers used for feeding their pet birds at different ages were the same. They were derived from plants 18 families, including 24 species. The main plants were Kluai Hin (Musa acuminata × balbisiana (ABB Group) ‘Saba’), Kluai Nahm Wa (Musa sapientum Linn.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), water melon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), chinese squash (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.) and Tam Lueng (Coccinia grandis (L.) J.Voigt,). Some insect such as mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.), crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus), some species of grasshopper, and ant eggs were also provided. However, some caretakers mixed some supplements such as vitamins and chili curry into their food for feeding the mature pet bird. Meanwhile, honey and ready-made meals were only used into rearing their chicks.

A Mathematical Modeling Method Elucidating the Integrated Gripping Performance of Ant Mandibles and Bio-inspired Grippers

The ability to grip unhatched eggs is a skill exploited by the ants Harpegnathos venator, as they care their brood in tunneled nests, which is of extreme difficulty to keep the eggs intact while gripping. In this paper we propose a mathematical modeling method to elucidate the mechanism of such a gripping behavior in the ant mandibles. The new method can be subdivided into following steps. As a preliminary, the concavity geometry and mandible kinematics are examined experimentally. Second, coordinate transformation is used to predict the real-time spatial topology of the concavity. Third, we come up with a new method to quantify the workspace required to grip and the contact area between the concavity and ant egg. Our model indicates that the biaxial rotation fashion with specialized concavities can reduce workspace by 40% and increase contact area by 53% on average compared with the uniaxial rotation pattern, which augments success rate of gentle gripping. This methodology may have applications in evaluating mechanical performance in both natural and artificial grippers.

Red-Fruited Hawthorn, and: Wolf Skin, and: Avenging Deer, and: Grass Effigy

Red-Fruited Hawthorn, and: Wolf Skin, and: Avenging Deer, and: Grass Effigy Aku Wuwu (bio) Translated by Mark Bender (bio) red-fruited hawthorn Treading the fallen leaves,I returned to Salem.Before my arrival,the autumn windhad taken away all this year's leavesfrom the trees. Left are all the red berriesshining with a naked brightness.All the poison juices of the bodymake the sunlight of this town surprisinglypiercing. The people in Salemplanted trees bearing poisonous fruitsmerely out of appreciation,desiring a kind ofpoison-rich beauty. [End Page 1] wolf skin At an Indian folklife festival,a white man in Indian array of wolf skin,was dancing sincerely around a sacred drum.I could not ask himwhether he had any Indian bloodfor he seemed too solemn and stately. An old Indian man nearby told mein a plain deep voiceas long as one puts on a wolf skin heis either our enemyor one of our folk.A wolf is the animalhurting us the most and isalso a divine animalwe always worship. Neither an enemy of the Indians,nor their fellow folk,yet, longed toput on the magic Indian wolf skin. Suddenly,in the center of the wolf skinI spotteda smallbullet hole. [End Page 2] avenging deer In North Americadeer and humansenjoy the same modern civilization. In the daytime, deer live infertile meadowsand tranquil woods. At night they always want to go to townto hear rock and rollto see happy people. The entire cityexcept for houses of different styles andthe magnificent churchesis but a patchwork of meadow,and deer rush in from the four directions. Deer, desirous of civilization,deer, to ascertain the meaning of civilizationspeak for, search for an eternal roadrushing towards the ever-pale highwayunder the moon. The spurring carshelp deer realize their dreamswithout exception. At dawn, on the meadows along the highway,the deer draw pictureswith their frozen bodiesthat even God above cannot see. My memory flashes back to the Yi lands,to those who regain dignity bypaying the price with their life,hurting their enemy by hurting themselves;those daring avengers face death unflinchingly,those innocents akin to suicidal deer.My heart knows those deer tooare groups of avengers. [End Page 3] In those moments before dawn,the wounded souls of thoseavenging deerrush to nearby towns and villageswith those magnificent and mysterious churches. grass effigy In the mountain hamlets,those who know how to makethe tied grass effigies,who know how to do the grass effigy rituals,number more than the ant eggs beneath the stone slabs.Thus, in expanses big or smallof forestbelow the villagesown there by seeds from airplanesthe trees seem like bunches of spiderscarrying their eggs,seem like married women in the fieldscarrying their children as they plant. But, in the mountain hamlets,when children cry within the home,and the cuckoo calls without,then cries of those "pine tree children"day by day turn to duff;and for this, four seasons of the year,the sounds of the wind in the pine forests,grows ever greener. And though people have ears,they don't hear it;and though they have eyes,they don't see it. Once the effigies were ritually sent off,the matron of the family felt things were safe.But, when the hearth fire verbosely crackled,the agitated matronwithdrew the half-burnt sticks,then stuck them into the water withinthe hog slop trough. [End Page 4] Not long after,the brother of the matron of the home slipped along the way,falling into and drowning within the waters.This bad news was spread by the wind,and her laments were like puttingcold water on a fire to kill it. The red-footed grass is cut and grows,is cut and grows;The grass effigies in the pine forests—the old are followed by the new,the old are followed by the new. . .In the past, among the twelve sons...

<b>Stomach contents of the Indian Pangolin <I>Manis crassicaudata</I> (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) in tropical forests of southern India</b>

The Indian Pangolin, Manis crassicaudata is a nocturnal, elusive, sparsely distributed, poorly studied and rapidly declining species. The stomach contents of a female Indian Pangolin were analysed from a road kill specimen collected from the South Wayanad Forest Division in Kerala on September 2013 and confirms that they are myrmecophagous, i.e., feeding primarily on ants and ant eggs. The morphometry of the head and position of the eye in the head was used to identify the ant species consumed, which was found to be exclusively Leptogenys sp. with head size of one to two millimeter. Since the abundance of the ant species was not available, the preference could not be determined. Rather, our preliminary survey in the area revealed that Leptogenys sp. is the most abundant in the tropical moist deciduous forest of Wayanad, Kerala. The soft parts of the ant body were digested while only the heads remained in the stomach content. Similarly, only hard egg shells could be identified from the content. The major proportion of the stomach content was grit (50%), both in frequency and biomass. Ant head constituted higher biomass (41.3%) and lower frequency (22.5%) whereas ant egg shells were found in higher number (29%) with a low biomass (1.8%). The present observation gives insight into ant species selection and biomass contribution. Though the biomass of ant head was higher, its contribution to the Indian Pangolin nutrient intake is unknown. Further research is needed to better understand the diet of the Indian Pangolin.

Ant-lepidopteran associations along African forest edges.

Working along forest edges, we aimed to determine how some caterpillars can co-exist with territorially dominant arboreal ants (TDAAs) in tropical Africa. We recorded caterpillars from 22 lepidopteran species living in the presence of five TDAA species. Among the defoliator and/or nectarivorous caterpillars that live on tree foliage, the Pyralidae and Nymphalidae use their silk to protect themselves from ant attacks. The Notodontidae and lycaenid Polyommatinae and Theclinae live in direct contact with ants; the Theclinae even reward ants with abundant secretions from their Newcomer gland. Lichen feeders (lycaenid; Poritiinae), protected by long bristles, also live among ants. Some lycaenid Miletinae caterpillars feed on ant-attended membracids, including in the shelters where the ants attend them; Lachnocnema caterpillars use their forelegs to obtain trophallaxis from their host ants. Caterpillars from other species live inside weaver ant nests. Those of the genus Euliphyra (Miletinae) feed on ant prey and brood and can obtain trophallaxis, while those from an Eberidae species only prey on host ant eggs. Eublemma albifascia (Erebidae) caterpillars use their thoracic legs to obtain trophallaxis and trophic eggs from ants. Through transfer bioassays of last instars, we noted that herbivorous caterpillars living in contact with ants were always accepted by alien conspecific ants; this is likely due to an intrinsic appeasing odor. Yet, caterpillars living in ant shelters or ant nests probably acquire cues from their host colonies because they were considered aliens and killed. We conclude that co-evolution with ants occurred similarly in the Heterocera and Rhopalocera.

Influence of environmental conditions on insect reproduction and chemical composition of escamoles (Liometopum apiculatum M)

Escamoles, ant eggs (Liometopum apiculatum M), are edible insects consumed in great numbers and appreciated for their sensory characteristics, but not for their nutritional value. In Mexico, they reproduce in arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico and several states (Puebla, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo). Samples were gathered to determine reproduction conditions and perform an insect analysis to generate data composition in macronutrients, on dry basis, according to AOAC methods. The obtained data were: proteins: 42.12-50.63%; lipids: 30.27-34.96%; minerals: 6.53-7.85%; fibres: 1.91-2.56%; and soluble carbohydrates: 6.80-18.27%. Entomological material was collected in spring 2014, 3 nests for each zone, all from different altitudes and agroclimatic regions. Samples were representative for the insect supply in the areas studied. Insects are high in proteins and lipids, compared with most of the commonly consumed food, due to their high content of fatty acids; they must be refrigerated for later consumption. Minerals are moderated. Fibre and soluble carbohydrate levels are low, but an excess of proteins can be converted into carbohydrates via gluconeogenesis. Escamoles reproduce once a year in the spring, but sometimes one nest can provide escamoles eggs twice in the same season, once at the beginning and again at the end, depending on the biotic and abiotic conditions of their environment. Escamoles are a good source of nutrients; however, some rural people sell them to obtain extra income rather than consume them to improve their nutritional condition and welfare.

Insect Consumption to Address Undernutrition, a National Survey on the Prevalence of Insect Consumption among Adults and Vendors in Laos.

BackgroundInsect consumption (entomophagy) is a potentially high nutritious and healthy source of food with high fat, protein, vitamin, fiber and micronutrient content. At least 2 billion people globally eat insects (over 1900 edible species) though this habit is regarded negatively by others. There is a limited amount of data on the perception and consumption of insects. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) to assess the prevalence and characteristics of insect consumption among adult lay people and insect vendors.MethodsWe conducted a multi stage randomized national survey in 1303 households in 96 villages in 16 Lao provinces. Three insect vendors or collectors per village were also included. A standardized pretested questionnaire addressed the following issues: socioeconomic characteristics, type of insects consumed and frequency of consumption, reasons and trends in consumption as well as reports on side effects, over the last 10 years.ResultsA total of 1059 adults (Sex ratio F/M: 1.2, 30 ethnic groups), and 256 vendors were enrolled. A total of 1025 (96.8%) lay people were currently insect consumers, 135 (13.0%) daily or weekly consumers, and 322 (31.1%) consumed several times per month. For the majority (575, 55.6%) the consumption was infrequent (less than a few times per year) and only 22 (2%) had never eaten insects. Consumption started in childhood. Insect availability was seasonal (670, 63.2%) and respondents would have eaten more insects, if they had been more available (919, 86.7%). Hmong and Leu ethnic groups had significantly lower consumption levels than the general population. Eggs of weaver ants, short-tailed crickets, crickets, grasshoppers, and cicadas were the top 5 insects consumed. Consumption had decreased in the last decade, mostly due to less availability (869; 84.0%) and change of life (29; 5.5%). Of 1059, 80 (7.5%) reported allergy problems and 106 (10.0%) reported some use in traditional medicine. A total of 874 (82.6%) were regular collectors.Insect vendors (Sex ratio F/M: 5.3) were also collectors (185; 72.2%). They dedicated a mean time of 4.7 hours during the last harvesting period. The majority sold insects at markets (141, 55.0%). They had earned, on average, USD 6.0 the day before. Five insects (weaver ant eggs; bamboo worms; short-tailed crickets; crickets; wasps) represented 85% of the market.ConclusionEntomophagy is general in Laos, and well accepted despite a decreasing trend in consumption over the last decade. Its contribution to the Lao diet is limited to a minority of frequent consumers. Income through insect sales benefits mostly women. Consumption varies according to ethnicity, residence and season. Development of insect farming is still at an early stage. It could however increase availability of insects and contribute to the generation of income.

Prevalence of food allergy among preschool children in northern Thailand

The epidemiology and clinical spectrum of food allergies (FA) confirmed by oral food challenge tests (OFC) in the Southeast Asian countries are limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of FA among preschool children in northern Thailand. Five hundred and forty-six children aged 3-7 years living in Chiang Mai, Thailand participated in this study. A cross-sectional parent questionnaire survey was conducted. Families with children reporting FA were invited to undergo further investigations with skin prick testing, serum specific IgE, and OFC. A total of 452 out of 546 questionnaires (82.8%) were returned. Forty-two children (9.3%) were reported to have FA. The five leading allergic foods reported were shrimp, cow's milk, fish, chicken eggs, and ant eggs. The most commonly reported symptom was a skin rash (78.0%), followed by abdominal pain and vomiting (31.1%). Anaphylaxis was found in two children (3.4%), from ant eggs allergy. Eighteen children underwent OFC; five of them were positive to shrimp, fish, and crab. Either skin prick test or serum-specific IgE was positive in these children. Factors associated with parent-reported FA included personal and family history of atopic dermatitis. The prevalence of IgE-mediated FA confirmed on OFC was ≥ 1.11% (95% confidence interval: 0.41-2.98%). The most common causative food was shrimp. Ant eggs were a unique food allergen causing severe reactions in preschool children in northern Thailand.

Prevalence of Food Allergy Among Preschool Children in Northern Thailand

Background: The epidemiology and clinical spectrum of food allergies (FA) confirmed by oral food challenge tests (OFC) in the Southeast Asian countries are limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of FA among preschool children in northern Thailand. Methods: Five hundred and forty-six children aged 3–7 years living in Chiang Mai, Thailand participated in this study. A cross-sectional parent questionnaire survey was conducted. Families with children reporting FA were invited to undergo further investigations with skin prick testing, serum specific IgE, and OFC. Results: A total of 452 out of 546 questionnaires (82.8%) were returned. Forty-two children (9.3%) were reported to have FA. The five leading allergic foods reported were shrimp, cow's milk, fish, chicken eggs, and ant eggs. The most commonly reported symptom was a skin rash (78.0%), followed by abdominal pain and vomiting (31.1%). Anaphylaxis was found in two children (3.4%), from ant eggs allergy. Eighteen children underwent OFC; five of them were positive to shrimp, fish, and crab. Either skin prick test or serum-specific IgE was positive in these children. Factors associated with parent-reported FA included personal and family history of atopic dermatitis. Conclusions: The prevalence of IgE-mediated FA confirmed on OFC was ≥1.11% (95% confidence interval: 0.41–2.98%). The most common causative food was shrimp. Ant eggs were a unique food allergen causing severe reactions in preschool children in northern Thailand.

Host propagation permits extreme local adaptation in a social parasite of ants

The Red Data Book hoverfly species Microdon mutabilis is an extreme specialist that parasitises ant societies. The flies are locally adapted to a single host, Formica lemani, more intimately than was thought possible in host-parasite systems. Microdon egg survival plummeted in F. lemani colonies > 3 km away from the natal nest, from c. 96% to 0% to < 50%, depending on the hoverfly population. This is reflected in the life-time dispersal of females, measured at < 2 m, resulting in oviposition back into the same ant nests for generation after generation. To counter destabilizing effects on the host, Microdon manipulates the social dynamics of F. lemani by feeding selectively on ant eggs and small larvae, which causes surviving larvae to switch development into queens. Infested colonies rear double the number of new queens, thus propagating the vulnerable local genotype and compensating for damage to the host colonies. The consequences of such extreme host specificity for insect conservation are discussed.

Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Reproductive Biology of the Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) from the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Cyclicity and frequency of reproduction, fecundity variation, and correlations between body size and fecundity in the parthenogenetic blind snake Ramphotyphlops braminus were studied on the basis of captive observations of 49 individuals and dissection of 98 fresh dead specimens from the Ryukyu Archipelago. Ovulation commenced in mid May and oviposition occurred from mid June to mid July. At all adult snout-vent length's (SVL), the mean number of enlarged ovarian follicles was greater than the mean number of eggs laid. Some follicles may be retained in the ovaries or become atretic during ovulation. Clutch size inferred from the number of enlarged follicles therefore could be overestimated. Relative clutch mass (RCM) was somewhat greater than the mean RCM of henophidian and caenophidian species. In R. braminus, clutch size was significantly correlated with SVL, whereas RCM was not, as in most other snakes. This might suggest the presence of particular factors of selection operating on RCM of R. braminus as well as other snakes. Snake reproduction has been studied by many of general reproductive patterns in this group researchers, and several reviews have attemptof reptiles from ecological and evolutionary ed to analyze available data for the elucidation view points (see Seigel and Ford, 1987 for review). However, most original works on snake reproduction have dealt with henophidian and 1To whom all correspondences should be adcaenophidian species; very little attention has dressed. been paid to the reproductive biology of the 9 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.10 on Mon, 08 Aug 2016 04:54:49 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms M. KAMOSAWA AND H. OTA infraorder Scolecophidia (i.e., Anomalepididae, Leptotyphlopidae, and Typhlopidae), a group of snakes characterized by small body size, cylindrical body shape, and fossorial habits, despite the high species diversity of this group (Erasmus and Branch, 1983; Shine and Webb, 1990). The paucity of quantitative reproductive data for this large group of snakes has seriously limited discussion of the general ecological patterns in snakes (e.g., Seigel and Ford, 1987; Dunham et al., 1988). In this paper, we provide quantitative reproductive data for the northernmost populations of Ramphotyphlops braminus, a triploid, all-female, parthenogenetic typhlopid species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world (McDowell, 1974; Ota et al., 1991). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-nine specimens were collected in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan (30 from Takarajima, 16 from Okinawajima, two from Sesokojima, and one from Kumejima Islands) between 2 May and 28 August 1993. These animals were housed individually in plastic cups (100 x 80 x 45 mm in top diameter x bottom diameter x height) filled with damp sphagnum. Ant eggs, larvae, and pupae, as well as adult termites, were provided as food. Considering arguments raised by Cuellar (1984) and Seigel et al. (1986) in taking clutch mass data, each cup was checked every 24 to 72 h, and most eggs were measured (to the nearest 0.1 mm with dial-calipers) and weighed [to the nearest 0.01 g with electronic balance (Shimazu EB-330H)] on their first appearance. However, because all eggs subjected to this procedure developed mould and died, four clutches of eggs obtained in the latter period of these observations were not handled for measurements. Oviposited females were measured for snout-vent length (SVL) and weighed, and were fed and maintained as above to the end of December to see if a second clutch was laid. Relative clutch mass was calculated for each clutch after Shine (1980) [clutch mass/body mass of oviposited female: referred as RCM1], and Seigel and Fitch (1984) [clutch mass/(clutch mass + body mass of oviposited female): referred as RCM2]. Mean egg mass [clutch mass/clutch size: referred as MEM] was also calculated for each individual. Ninety-eight individuals (27 from Haterumajima, 20 from Miyakojima, 13 from Iriomotejima, 12 from Yonagunijima, 16 from Okinawajima, four from Ishigakijima, three from Kohamajima, and one from Iheyajima, Kuroshima and Minami-Daitoujima) obtained in March (N = 59), April (N = 29), early May (N = 5), October (N = 2), and December (N = 3) (most freshly dead from sugar-cane cultivation), were also measured for SVLs while fresh, and were subsequently dissected for gonadal inspection. For each specimen, the number of enlarged ovarian follicles (Nussbaum, 1980; Ota et al., 1991) were counted, and presence or absence of oviductal eggs were investigated. Due to the insufficient sample size for each island, data for all samples were pooled for analyses under an a priori assumption for the absence of significant geographic variation in reproductive traits within the Ryukyus.

Isolation, purification and characterization of three lectins from ant eggs ( Oecophylla smaragdina fabr.)

Three lectins have been isolated from an extract of ant egg and purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 of the 100% ammonium sulfate fraction from the crude extract, followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. All the lectins were homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights of the lectins, AEL-I, AEL-II, and AEL-III, as estimated by gel filtration, were 195,000, 105,500, and 84,000. All the lectins were found to be composed of four sub-units of unequal sizes, and are glycoproteins with a neutral sugar content of 3.0–7.5%. The lectins agglutinated rat red blood-cells; in a hapten-inhibition study, D-galactose was found to be a better inhibitor for AEL-I and AEL-II whereas D-mannose was a better inhibitor for AEL-III.

Use of Alternative Foods in the Rearing of Aphidophagous Ladybird Beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Aphidophagous ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculatus (Fabricius) developed and reproduced in captivity when offered alternative foods like drone honeybee powder, ant eggs or a combination of ant eggs and aphids (2:1). However, female ladybird beetles showed longer pre-reproductive delay and laid less number of viable eggs by feeding on alternative foods in comparison to those females which fed on living aphids. Adults fed on drone honeybee powder oviposited more number of eggs and such adults lived longer than those fed on ant eggs or a combination of ant eggs and aphids.

Natural History of Australian Typhlopid Snakes

Dissection of 1198 specimens of 15 species of Australian Ramphotyphlops, combined with observations in the field and in captivity, provided information on the natural history of this group of small, fossorial scolecophidians. Females consistently outnumbered males in museum collections, and were larger than males in all species. Dimorphism in adult body size was determined mainly by dimorphism at maturation, and tended to be more extreme in larger species. Clutch sizes of 1-34 eggs were recorded, and were correlated with maternal body size in interspecific (and some intraspecific) comparisons. Re- production seems to be highly seasonal, with the eastern R. nigrescens showing mating and vitellogenesis in spring, oviposition in midsummer, and hatching in autumn. Incubation is relatively brief in this species (approx. 48 days at 25 C). Stomachs of four species contained mostly (93-97%) ant pupae and larvae, of several genera. Termites, ant eggs, and adult ants were rarely eaten. Individual blindsnakes contained up to 1400 prey items. Larger typhlopids ate larger prey items in both intraspecific and interspecific com- parisons. Perhaps because of its wider mouth, R. pinguis consumed larger prey items than did R. nigrescens of similar body lengths. The Infraorder Scolecophidia consists of three families of small, fossorial snakes with eyes re- duced to darkly pigmented spots beneath en- larged head scales. Although scolecophidian snakes are diverse and abundant throughout most of the world's land masses, they have at- tracted far less scientific attention than have the larger and more spectacular henophidian and cenophidi~ species. The single scolecophidian genus for which detailed data are available is Leptotyphlops, the only North American repre- sentative of the group (e.g., Watkins et aI., 1969; Punzo, 1974). Although the Typhlopidae are more speciose and widely distributed than oth- er scolecophidians, their ecology remains vir- tually unstudied. For example, the extensive re- view of Fitch (1970) on squamate reproduction has only a single page devoted to the 150 species in this family. Information on phylogenetically distinctive

Occurrence of an anti-Thomsen-Friedenreich-like lectin in jackfruit seeds reacting with a receptor in ant egg glycoprotein

The occurrence of an anti-Thomsen-Friedenreich-like lectin in the seeds of jackfruit and of its receptordominant disaccharide in an ant egg glycoprotein isdescribed by agar-gel precipitin reactions.

Feeding in the Larvae of the Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta:1 Behavior and Morphological Adaptations

Adult workers of the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, feed liquid foods, including sucrose and soybean oil, to larvae of all instars, and feed solid proteinaceous foods only to the 4th instars. Solid foods, including undamaged fire ant eggs, experimentally placed on larvae, are ingested only by 4th instars. Workers place solid food, of a specific size range, on the antero ventral region of 4th instars. This region bears specialized hairs and spines which hold solid food while the larvae feed on it. The relationship of larval feeding to a possible method of fire ant control is discussed.

Ability of the Blind Snake, Leptotyphlops dulcis, to Follow Pheromone Trails of Army Ants, Neiv amyrmex nigrescens and N. opacithorax

On three occasions blind snakes were observed crawling in nocturnal raiding columns of N. nigrescens without feeding on the ants or their prey.2 Neither snakes nor ants seemed disturbed, although a fourth snake following a vacated ant trail was attacked when placed in a raiding column. The latter snake and one of those found in raiding columns (assumed conditioned), along with a blind snake found unassociated with ants (assumed unconditioned), were tested on N. nigrescens and N. opacithorax pheromone and distilled water trails in the laboratory. Conditioned snakes followed the pheromone trails in a significant number of experiments; the unconditioned snake did not. Head-neck rearing, thought to be olfactory orientation behavior, was observed in trail following. Because blind snakes smell army ant trails, are known to feed on ant brood, and were heading toward army ant nests in half the field observations, pheromone trail following may be selectively advantageous for the snakes in locating a large food supply at the ant nest site. Blind snakes (Leptotyphlops dulcis) are primarily fossorial but sometimes crawl or secrete themselves on the ground surface, especial- ly during nights of favorable temperature-moisture conditions (Burt, 1935; McCoy, 1960). They feed on ant eggs, larvae, pupae, and ter- mites which they locate by olfactory cues (Gehlbach, unpublished observ.; Reid and Lott, 1963). Although army ants of the genus Neivamyrmex (Formicidae, Dorylinae) are largely subterranean in nesting habits, workers of N. nigrescens often extend raiding columns more than 50 m along the ground surface in search of the brood of other ants. During such forays and colony migrations, the ants orient themselves by depositing and following pheromone trails (Schneirla,