Ant Crematogaster Research Articles

ChemInform Abstract: Five New Furanocembrenoids from the Venom of the Ant Crematogaster brevispinosa ampla from Brazil.

Abstract Five new furanocembrenoids (3–7) were isolated from the Dufour gland secretion of the Brazilian ant Crematogaster brevispinosa ampla. The structure of the major component was established by a detailed high-field 1D and 2D NMR study as the dibutanoate 3. Compounds 4 and 5 were shown to be the two isomeric monoacetate monobutanoates corresponding to 3, whereas 6 and 7 are the two isomeric monohydroxy monobutanoates.

Spatial distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), vine mealybugs and mealybug parasitoids in vineyards

AbstractThe mutualistic association between some ant species and honeydew‐producing Hemiptera has been shown to influence the distribution patterns and abundance of these hemipterans and their natural enemies. We studied the spatial distribution patterns of three ant species, mealybugs and mealybug parasitoids for two consecutive growing seasons on three wine grape farms in the Western Cape, South Africa. During the study period, no ant or mealybug controls were applied. Ant and mealybug monitoring was conducted on a total of 21 ha using a presence/absence sampling system, while parasitoids were collected from infested mealybug females. Spatial analysis by distance indices was used to analyse spatial distribution of insects and ArcView™ was used to map the gap, patch and local association indices where significant association and disassociation occurred. Significant associations were found between some ants and parasitoids, while significant disassociations between the ants Crematogaster peringueyi and Linepithema humile; and also between Crematogaster peringueyi and Anoplolepis steingroeveri were found. Interspecific competition between ant species could play a role in the distribution of parasitoids and mealybugs. Our results stress the importance of monitoring for ants and mealybugs and further highlight the importance of restricted chemical applications against ants during the growing season.

Parabiotic associations between tropical ants: equal partnership or parasitic exploitation?

1. The huge diversity of symbiotic associations among animals and/or plants comprises both mutualisms and parasitisms. Most symbioses between social insect species, however, involve social parasites, while mutual benefits have been only suspected for some parabiotic associations - two colonies that share a nest. 2. In the rainforest of Borneo, we studied parabiotic associations between the ants Crematogaster modiglianii and Camponotus rufifemur. Parabiotic nests were regularly found inside hollow tree trunks, most likely initiated by Cr. modiglianii. This species frequently nested without its partner, whereas we never found non-parabiotic Ca. rufifemur nests. We experimentally investigated potential benefits, potential interference competition for food (as a probable cost), and foraging niches of both species. 3. The two species never showed aggressive interactions and amicably shared food resources. However, Cr. modiglianii had a wider temporal and spatial foraging range than Ca. rufifemur, always found baits before Ca. rufifemur and recruited more efficiently. Camponotus rufifemur probably benefited from following pheromone trails of Cr. modiglianii. In turn, Ca. rufifemur was significantly more successful in defending the nest against alien ants. Crematogaster modiglianii hence may profit from its partner's defensive abilities. 4. In neotropical parabioses, epiphytes grown in 'ant-gardens' play a crucial role in the association, e.g. by stabilization of nests. Hemiepiphytic Poikilospermum cordifolium (Cecropiaceae) seedlings and saplings frequently grew in the entrances of parabiotic nests in Borneo, obviously dispersed by the ants. In cafeteria experiments, both parabiotic ants carried its elaiosome-bearing seeds into the nest. However, P. cordifolium does not provide additional nest space, contrasting with neotropical ant-gardens. 5. The parabiotic association appears beneficial for both ant species, the main benefits being nest initiation by Cr. modiglianii and interspecific trail-following (for Ca. rufifemur), and, in turn, nest defence by Ca. rufifemur (for Cr. modiglianii). However, Ca. rufifemur seems to be more dependent on its partner than vice versa.

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris from Italy. Allelic variation was tested for individuals collected from 26 nests in an olive grove in Tuscany, where ant–homopteran mutualistic interactions are under study to control damages to the olive crop. Allelic diversity was 12.4 and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 17. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.826 (range, 0.760–0.923) and 0.829 (range, 0.736–0.869), respectively. This novel set of loci will be used to assess population structure, dispersal strategies and mating system of C. scutellaris, and in particular to determine genetic relationships among individuals engaged in intraspecific conflicts.

Phylogeography of the Coccus scale insects inhabiting myrmecophytic Macaranga plants in Southeast Asia

AbstractComparative historical biogeography of multiple symbionts occurring on a common host taxa can shed light on the processes of symbiont diversification. Myrmecophytic Macaranga plants are associated with the obligate mutualistic symbionts: Crematogaster (subgenus Decacrema) ants and Coccus scale insects. We conduct phylogeographic analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) from 253 scale insects collected from 15 locations in Borneo, Malaya and Sumatra, to investigate the historical biogeography of the scales, and then to draw comparisons with that of the symbiotic, but independently dispersing, Decacrema ants which are not specific to different Coccus lineages. Despite the different mode of ancient diversification, reconstruction of ancestral area and age estimation on the Coccus phylogeny showed that the scales repeatedly migrated between Borneo and Malaya from Pliocene to Pleistocene, which is consistent with the Decacrema ants. Just as with the ants, the highest number of lineages in the scale insects was found in northern northwest Borneo, suggesting that these regions were rainforest refugia during cool dry phases of the Pleistocene. Overall, general congruence between the Plio–Pleistocene diversification histories of the symbiotic scales and ants suggests that they experienced a common history of extinction/migration despite their independent mode of dispersal and host‐colonization.

Field Observations onMilichia patriziiAnt-Mugging Flies (Diptera: Milichiidae: Milichiinae) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Kleptoparasitic behaviour of a myrmecophilous fly, Milichia patrizii Hennig, 1952, towards the ant Crematogaster castanea tricolor Gerstaecker, 1859 in South Africa is documented, illustrated by photographs, and discussed.

Collective Batesian mimicry of ant groups by aggregating spiders

Many predators are averse to attacking ants and many palatable arthropods are Batesian mimics of ants. We considered whether aggregating Batesian mimics of ants can become more repelling to ant-averse predators by, as a group, resembling groups of ants (collective mimicry). Myrmarachne melanotarsa is a gregarious ant-like jumping spider (Salticidae) that resembles and associates with the ant Crematogaster sp. We used three large ant-averse salticids as predators in experiments. Besides M. melanotarsa and Crematogaster we used midges (Chaoborus sp.) and a small nonant-like, but gregarious, salticid (Menemerus sp.) as prey. The predators readily attacked both live midges and the nonant-like salticids that were presented singly or in groups but rarely attacked ants or ant mimics. Predators attacked ants and ant mimics presented in groups less often than they attacked solitary ants and ant mimics. In another experiment, motionless lures (groups of arthropods mounted in lifelike posture) were used. The findings showed that, independent of prey behaviour and movement, the predators were averse to being in close proximity to groups of ants and ant mimics, but had no evident aversion to the close proximity of groups of nonant-like salticids. Palatability tests demonstrated that the predators fed for long periods on M. melanotarsa, Menemerus and Chaoborus, but released Crematogaster almost immediately. Our results suggest that these predators have an innate aversion to ants and ant mimics and also that they are innately predisposed to perceive a group of ants (or ant mimics) as more repelling than solitary ants or ant mimics.

Within‐nest abundance of a tropical cockroach Pseudoanaplectinia yumotoi associated with Crematogaster ants inhabiting epiphytic fern domatia in a Bornean dipterocarp forest

Many epiphytic ferns in tropical forest canopies have domatia that provide habitat for arboreal arthropods such as ants. Two species of fern that were predominantly occupied by Crematogaster difformis ants were collected from the canopy of a forest in Borneo. In the fern domatia, two cockroach species, Pseudoanaplectinia yumotoi and Blatta sp., were found to live with C. difformis. Pseudoanaplectinia yumotoi were found in large numbers and accounted for approximately 20% of the total arthropod population, while Blatta sp. comprised only 1% of the arthropods living in the domatia. Behavioural experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of C. difformis workers to newly introduced cockroaches of each species and to allospecific ant workers. Crematogaster difformis workers were highly aggressive and quickly attacked allospecific workers. Both cockroach species could fend off ant attacks; however, dead Blatta sp. were often attacked by the ants while dead P. yumotoi were infrequently bothered.

Suspending cocoons to evade ant predation in Meteorus pulchricornis, a braconid parasitoid of exposed‐living lepidopteran larvae

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that cocoon suspension by a thread in hymenopteran parasitoids is a defense tactic against predators, by comparing predation against suspended and non‐suspended cocoons of the braconid wasp Meteorus pulchricornis on a Quercus phillyraeoides hedge on which workers of the common small ant Crematogaster matsumurai were foraging. The lost proportion of non‐suspended cocoons, which were artificially attached to leaves of Q. phillyraeoides, markedly decreased with cocoon age, indicating a critical phase of predation on young cocoons. No suspended cocoons at age 1–12 h at the beginning of exposure were lost within 12 h, whereas more than 75% of same‐aged non‐suspended cocoons were lost in the same period. Predation against such young cocoons would be a strong force driving the evolution of cocoon suspension in parasitoids of exposed‐living host insects.

Effect of social and environmental factors on ant aggregation: A general response?

In social species, the interactions that occur between individuals and also between individuals and their environment can lead to various spatial distributions. Our goal was to understand how both factors (social and environmental) can affect such spatial distribution of individuals. Aggregation experiments were conducted on the ant Crematogaster scutellaris: the level of inter-attraction between individuals was characterized and the influence of an environmental factor (light intensity) was studied. Two ethological castes (brood-tenders and foragers) were tested, showing a strong and similar aggregation pattern—although faster for foragers. This difference could be explained by a higher degree of inter-attraction for brood-tenders, resulting in longer interaction time and therefore a slower aggregation rate. We also showed the influence of light conditions by carrying out experiments in total darkness and under red light. C. scutellaris appeared highly sensitive to the red light, aggregating just underneath it. Nevertheless, the level of aggregation is not affected by the luminosity condition. These results are discussed in relation to the ecology of the species, and are compared with results obtained in another ant species, Lasius niger, which exhibits a similar response to aggregation. We propose, therefore, a general link between the level/pattern of aggregation and polyethism in ants.

Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the ant-garden ant, Crematogaster levior (Forel)

Throughout Amazonia, the ant Crematogaster levior is known for its participation in a complex ant-garden mutualism with the ant Camponotus femoratus and several species of epiphytic plants for which it plays an important role in seed viability. We isolated nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for C. levior from a genomic library enriched for di-, tri-, and tetra-nucleotide repeats. Two to 14 alleles were detected per locus, with levels of observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.103 to 0.785.

Chemical profiles of mated and virgin queens, egg-laying intermorphs and workers of the ant Crematogaster smithi

Many colonies of the North American ant Crematogaster smithi contain a “third female caste” in addition to queens and workers. These “intermorphs” are morphological intermediate of queens and workers and have well-developed ovaries but lack a spermatheca for the storage of sperm. They are specialised for laying large numbers of unfertilised, viable eggs, most of which serve as food for larvae and adults, though a few may eventually develop into males. Based on the assumption that cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in social insects honestly signal the reproductive status of an individual we investigated the CHC of mated mature queens, virgin queens, intermorphs and workers. We expected intermorphs to show chemical profiles intermediate between those of mated queens and non-reproductive workers. A discriminant analysis of the chemical profiles reliably separated queens, virgin queens, and workers, but failed to distinguish between queens and intermorphs even though workers were apparently capable of doing so.

Polyphagy and Obligate Myrmecophily in the Butterfly Hallonympha paucipuncta (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) in the Neotropical Cerrado Savanna

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes host plant use and obligate myrmecophily in Hallonympha paucipuncta, an endemic butterfly of the Cerrado. Larvae of H. paucipuncta are polyphagous, using at least 19 species of plants in 10 families. All larvae found were being tended by Crematogaster ants. Spatial distribution of larvae and tending ants were strongly aggregated, suggesting an influence of ants on oviposition and/or larval survival. Implications of obligate myrmecophily in the evolution of polyphagy in Riodinidae are discussed.

An Acrobat Ant, Crematogaster obscurata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Poses an Unusual Conservation Question in the Florida Keys

A small population of the Neotropical acrobat ant Crematogaster obscurata has survived a series of hurricanes on West Summerland Key, Monroe County, Florida. This is the only known U.S. population of this apparently innocuous species. If the exotic status and limited range of the Florida population is confirmed, it would be prudent to attempt to eradicate it, using insecticidal baits applied to the trees where colonies occur. View this article in BioOne

Species-specific Leaf Volatile Compounds of Obligate Macaranga Myrmecophytes and Host-specific Aggressiveness of Symbiotic Crematogaster Ants

Macaranga myrmecophytes harbor species-specific Crematogaster ants that defend host trees from herbivores. We examined ant aggressive behaviors when artificially damaged leaf pieces from another tree were offered to four sympatric species of obligate Macaranga myrmecophytes. The ants showed aggressive behavior in response to leaf pieces regardless of the leaf species; however, aggressiveness was higher when conspecific leaf pieces were offered than when nonhost species were offered. Thus, ants can recognize leaf damage and distinguish among damaged leaf species. Chemical analyses of volatile compounds emitted from damaged leaves that may induce ant defense showed that the composition of the minor compounds differed among the four Macaranga species, although there were many compounds in common.

The geography of diversification in mutualistic ants: a gene's‐eye view into the Neogene history of Sundaland rain forests

We investigate the geographical and historical context of diversification in a complex of mutualistic Crematogaster ants living in Macaranga trees in the equatorial rain forests of Southeast Asia. Using mitochondrial DNA from 433 ant colonies collected from 32 locations spanning Borneo, Malaya and Sumatra, we infer branching relationships, patterns of genetic diversity and population history. We reconstruct a time frame for the ants' diversification and demographic expansions, and identify areas that might have been refugia or centres of diversification. Seventeen operational lineages are identified, most of which can be distinguished by host preference and geographical range. The ants first diversified 16-20 Ma, not long after the onset of the everwet forests in Sundaland, and achieved most of their taxonomic diversity during the Pliocene. Pleistocene demographic expansions are inferred for several of the younger lineages. Phylogenetic relationships suggest a Bornean cradle and major axis of diversification. Taxonomic diversity tends to be associated with mountain ranges; in Borneo, it is greatest in the Crocker Range of Sabah and concentrated also in other parts of the northern northwest coast. Within-lineage genetic diversity in Malaya and Sumatra tends to also coincide with mountain ranges. A series of disjunct and restricted distributions spanning northern northwest Borneo and the major mountain ranges of Malaya and Sumatra, seen in three pairs of sister lineages, further suggests that these regions were rain-forest refuges during drier climatic phases of the Pleistocene. Results are discussed in the context of the history of Sundaland's rain forests.

Chalcidoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) parasitizing on scales (Homoptera, Coccidae) in Vietnam: X. A peculiar new species of the genus Coccophagus Westwood (Aphelinidae)

Coccophagus tetrastichoides sp. n. is characterized by an uncommon combination of features, particularly, by the general habitus and by the submarginal and marginal veins connected as those in tetrastichine wasps. C. tetrastichoides sp. n. is a gregarious parasite of adult females of the myrmecophilous soft scale, Megalocryptes bambusicola Green, setting on living bamboo stems in nests of the ant Crematogaster sp.

Diel and seasonal patterns of foraging activity in the arboreal antCrematogaster matsumuraiForel

AbstractThe foraging habits of the arboreal antCrematogaster matsumuraiForel were studied in natural and captive colonies in southern Kyushu, Japan. The nests ofC. matsumuraiare made mainly in the trunks of living trees. In the natural environment, the species mainly lives in decayed parts of relatively tall trees, such asAcer palmatum,Prunus jamasakuraandPrunus yedoensis. Observation over a 24 h period showed thatC. matsumuraiforaged actively at night as well as during the day. The foraging of the workers out of the nest was seen from early spring to late autumn, both on the tree and on the ground. As protein sources, aphids were mainly collected by foragers from the tree, while small parts of dead insects or other arthropods were mainly collected from the ground surface. The foraging activity of workers is assumed to be influenced by the quantity and quality of food rather than seasonality.

Behavioural Interactions Between Crematogaster brevispinosa rochai Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Two Nasutitermes Species (Isoptera: Termitidae)

In the savanna-like Brazilian biome “caatinga,“ the arboreal and polydomous ant Crematogaster brevispinosa rochai can be found cohabiting with two closely related Nasutitermes species (N. corniger and N. ephratae). This ant occupies variably sized portions of the termite nests and maintains a physical separation with its hosts by plugging the cells of the boundary areas with fibrous material. Although all the analysed cohabiting C. b. rochai nests were queenless, they always contained brood, especially from male and female reproductive castes. Interaction experiments between workers of C. b. rochai and workers or soldiers of N. ephratae revealed a low level of aggressiveness between the two species that contrasts with the aggressiveness of both C. b. rochai and N. ephratae in encounters with other ant (Azteca cf. chartifex, Cephalotes pusillus) or termite (M. cf. indistinctus) species. The association could benefit both ants (additional nesting sites, brood rearing places) and termites (protection against predators, dead ants or ant refuses as source of nitrogen).

The application of life history information to the conservation management of <i>Chrysoritis</i> butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in South Africa

Due to their intricate life histories and the unique wing patterns and colouring the butterflies of the genus Chrysoritis are of significant conservation and aesthetic value. Thisoverview probes into practical examples of butterfly life history research applicable to environmental management of this relatively well-known invertebrate group in South Africa. Despite the pioneer work on life histories of Chrysoritis in the past, more should be done to understand the life history of the butterflies in the wild, especially their natural host plants and the behaviour of adults and larvae. A system of voucher specimens of host plants should be introduced in South Africa. Although various host plant species in nature are used by the members of Chrysoritis, including the Chrysoritis chrysaor group, the choice of these in nature by each species is significant for conservation management and in the case of Chrysoritis aureus perhaps even as a specific characteristic.A revision of the ant genus Crematogaster will benefit the conservation management of Chrysoritis species since some of these ant species may consist of a number of specieswith much more restricted distributions than previously thought. Rigorous quantified tudies of population dynamics of Chrysoritis butterflies are absent and the introductionof such studies will benefit conservation management of these localised butterflies extensively.