Ochetellus Glaber Research Articles

The carrying capacity of Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia for Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Stresemann, 1912)

Abstract. Hardini J, Wirayudha IGB, Rosyidi A, Rita NMA, Mawanti I, Kalih LATTWS, Joni M, Sudaryanto FX. 2023. The carrying capacity of Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia for Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Stresemann, 1912). Biodiversitas 24: 3462-3470. This study is to analyze the carrying capacity of Nusa Penida Island on the existence of Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi Stresemann, 1912), because the population is increasing. Bali myna counting method: (i) Counting Bali myna on the tree where she sleeps. (ii) Counting Bali myna at the time of doing daily activities. Bali myna population in 2021, Ped Village 58 birds, and Toyapakeh Village 4 birds. In 2022, Bali myna in Ped Village had 102 birds, and in Toyapakeh Village 6 birds. On Nusa Penida Island, food sources of fruits and insects are abundant. There is enough nest box or tree hole to make a nest. Bali myna nest nuisance animals are bee honey (Trigona itama, Cockerel 1918 and ant (Ochetellus glaber (Mayr, 1862)), while predators are tokay gecko (Gekko gecko (Linnaeus 1758)), and water monitor (Varanus salvator Laurenti 1768). It is suspected that some Bali myna moved from Ped Village to Toyapakeh Village due to a large number of nesting disturbing animals in Ped Village. Until now, the people of Nusa Penida Island still carry out awig-awig (customary law) to protect Bali myna. From this research, it is known that the carrying capacity of Nusa Penida Island for Bali myna. The move of Bali myna from Ped Village to Toyapakeh Village is not due to a lack of carrying capacity but because of the presence of Bali myna nuisance animals.

Terrestrial insect fauna of the herbaceous stratum of reservoir embankment slopes, Korea

Herbaceous strata with a dominant plant community 50 m in size were selected from 10 reservoir embankment areas in Shinan-gun, a southwestern island region of South Korea. Terrestrial insects were sampled 100 times with quantitative sweep sampling to investigate the insect fauna and their association with flora. The survey areas were mainly dominated either by Phragmites japonica or Miscanthus sinensis plant species. A total of 1,948 individual insects representing 173 species from 64 families within 9 orders were collected. The number of species was the highest at Jaeundo while the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was the highest at Saokdo. Similarity analysis showed that the insect species composition tended to be similar among survey sites with plant communities comprising the same dominant plant species. Species diversity was the highest in April while the number of individual insects was the highest in September. Petaphora maritima and Ochetellus glaber were the dominant and subdominant insect species, with a high frequency of occurrence at these sites. The results of this study could be applied towards biodiversity conservation and monitoring of reservoir embankment areas in the future.

Survey of insect pests in the manuscripts library of Coptic museum in Egypt.

Museums are the main sources of cultural, political, economic, scientific and historic information in the communities. Pests in a museum, library or archive environment can cause serious damage to highly valuable and irreplaceable materials. A survey was conducted in the Manuscripts Library of the Coptic Museum (Egypt) to determine the biodiversity of insect pests infest the place. Sampling were done monthly for a year (from October 2018 to September 2019) using sticky traps with a nontoxic sticky substance. The sticky traps were placed at the corners of the library, behind doors and on the windows edges. A total of 1047 specimens belonging to nine species under six families and five orders were collected and identified. The most abundant species was Monomorium pharaonic with a total of 639 collected specimens followed by Ochetellus glaber, Thermobia domestica, Gibbium psylloides, Anthrenus verbasci, Periplaneta Americana, Lasioderma serricorne, Liposcelis bostrychophila, Attagenus fasciatus with total number of 193, 62, 45, 39, 23, 21, 13, 12 collected specimens, respectively. The traps which sited in the corners of the library trapped 60% of the total recorded specimens.

Invasive ants reduce nesting success of an endangered Hawaiian yellow-faced bee, Hylaeus anthracinus

Hawaii has a single group of native bees belonging to the genus Hylaeus (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) and known collectively as Hawaiian yellow-faced bees. The majority of the 63 species have experienced significant declines in range and population. In 2016, seven species received federal protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Competitors and predators, such as invasive bees, wasps and ants, are thought to be important drivers of range reductions and population declines, especially at lower elevations where more non-native species occur. We evaluated the effects of invasive ants on nesting Hylaeus anthracinus using artificial nest blocks that allowed us to track nest construction and development. The blocks were placed in pairs at 22 points encompassing three sites on the north and east sides of Oahu. One block in each pair was treated with a sticky barrier to prevent access by ants, while the other block remained untreated. From December 2015 to December 2016, we monitored 961 individual nests in the blocks. Seventy percent of nests in control blocks were invaded by ants. Nests in treated blocks were more likely to produce at least one adult than nests in untreated blocks (38% vs. 14%, respectively). In untreated blocks, ants were the most common cause of nest mortality followed by lack of development, displacement (primarily by the competitor Pachodynerus nasidens) and presumed pathogens. The invasive ant, Ochetellus glaber was the only observed nest predator, although the big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala was also present. Hylaeus anthracinus inhabits coastal strand habitat which occurs in a narrow band just above the high tide line. Nests at one site were destroyed due to a high wave event, highlighting this species’ vulnerability to sea level rise. Additionally, no adult bees or nests were observed at the points where yellow crazy ants, Anoplolepis gracilipes were established. An increased understanding of the factors limiting Hawaii’s yellow-faced bees will provide information for future conservation efforts that may include landscape-scale ant control, habitat restoration and translocations.

High Dietary Niche Overlap Between Non-native and Native Ant Species in Natural Ecosystems.

Ants represent a highly diverse and ecologically important group of insects found in almost all terrestrial ecosystems. A subset of ant species have been widely transported around the globe and invade many natural ecosystems, often out-competing native counterparts and causing varying impacts on recipient ecosystems. Decisions to control non-native ant populations require an understanding of their interactions and related impacts on native communities. We employed stable isotope analysis and metabarcoding techniques to identify potential dietary niche overlap and identify gut contents of 10 ant species found in natural ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, we looked at co-occurrence to identify potential competitive interactions among native and non-native ant species. Ants fed mainly across two trophic levels, with high dietary overlap. Relative to other ant species sampled, two non-native ant species, Linepithema humile and Technomyrmex jocosus, were found to feed at the lowest trophic level. The largest isotopic niche overlap was observed between the native Monomorium antarcticum and the invasive Ochetellus glaber, with analyses revealing a negative co-occurrence pattern. Sequence data of ant gut content identified 51 molecular operational taxonomic units, representing 22 orders and 34 families, and primarily consisting of arthropod DNA. Although we generally found high dietary overlap among species, negative occurrence between a dominant, non-native species and a ubiquitous native species indicates that species-specific interactions could be negatively impacting native ecosystems. Our research progresses and informs the currently limited knowledge around establishing protocols for metabarcoding to investigate ant diet and interactions between native and non-native ant species.

Effects of Insecticides on Ochetellus glaber and Other Species of Ants

ルリアリOchetellus glaberは関東地方以南に分布するアリで，ここ十数年で北限が北上しつつあり，さらに近年各地で生息域が広がり，個体数が増加しつつある状況にある。建物内にもよく侵入し，食品に群がるほか，電気機器や紙製品，段ボール等の隙間や狭い空間に好んで侵入して営巣する。そのため混入異物や体液などによるシミ汚染の原因となりやすい種である。

The complete mitochondrial genome of Ochetellus glaber (Mayr, 1862) (Hymenoptera:Formicidae)

Ochetellus glaber (Mayr, 1867) is a dolichoderine ant found in the warm regions of Asia and Australia. We have determined the mitochondrial genome of O. glaber whose length is 16,259 bp including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a single large control region. The base composition was AT-biased (GC ratio is 82.2%). Gene order of O. glaber is identical to other species of the subfamily Dolichoderinae. Phylogenetic trees show that O. glaber is nested in other mitochondrial genomes of tribe Leptomyrmecini, implying the Neotropical genera are ancestral to Australian genera such as Ochetellus.

Roadside Survey of Ants on Oahu, Hawaii.

Hawaii is home to over 60 ant species, including five of the six most damaging invasive ants. Although there have been many surveys of ants in Hawaii, the last island-wide hand-collection survey of ants on Oahu was conducted in 1988–1994. In 2012, a timed hand-collection of ants was made at 44 sites in a systematic, roadside survey throughout Oahu. Ants were identified and species distribution in relation to elevation, precipitation and soil type was analyzed. To assess possible convenience sampling bias, 15 additional sites were sampled further from roads to compare with the samples near roads. Twenty-four species of ants were found and mapped; Pheidole megacephala (F.), Ochetellus glaber (Mayr), and Technomyrmex difficilis Forel were the most frequently encountered ants. For six ant species, a logistic regression was performed with elevation, average annual precipitation, and soil order as explanatory variables. O. glaber was found in areas with lower precipitation around Oahu. Paratrechina longicornis (Latrielle) and Tetramorium simillimum (Smith, F.) were found more often in lower elevations and in areas with the Mollisol soil order. Elevation, precipitation, and soil type were not significant sources of variation for P. megacephala, Plagiolepis alluaudi Emery, and T. difficilis. P. megacephala was associated with fewer mean numbers of ants where it occurred. Ant assemblages near and far from roads did not significantly differ. Many species of ants remain established on Oahu, and recent invaders are spreading throughout the island. Mapping ant distributions contributes to continued documentation and understanding of these pests.

Taxonomic confusion of two tramp ant species: Iridomyrmex anceps and Ochetellus glaber are really species complexes

Abstract Many invasive invertebrates belong to unresolved species complexes, and have a history of misidentification and inappropriate management. Here we detail confusion surrounding the taxonomy and identification of two dolichoderine ant species, Iridomyrmex anceps Roger and Ochetellus glaber Mayr, which are commonly cited in the literature as having been spread widely by human commerce. We provide morphometric data and images strongly suggesting that these two “species” are instead complexes of species that are likely native to many regions where they are purportedly introduced. We take particular interest in the status of species referred to as I. anceps and O. glaber in China, as this is the most northerly distribution of both genera. We conclude by suggesting that many identifications of both species are likely to be unreliable, and we recommend against any management action aimed at controlling these species under the assumption that they are exotic.

Influence of Brood on the Nutritional Preferences of the Tropical Ant Species, Pheidole megacephala (F.) and Ochetellus glaber (Mayr)

The influence of brood on the nutritional preferences of two ant pests, Pheidole megacephala (F.) and Ochetellus glaber (Mayr), was examined. Both ant species preferred fruit fly pupae and diamondback moth larvae to tuna and peanut butter. The foraging rates of O. glaber for proteins and carbohydrates depended upon both the food type and the amount of brood present. When O. glaber foragers were presented with a choice of tuna (a less preferred source of protein) and sucrose, the foraging rate was always greater on sucrose, regardless of the presence of brood. However, when ants were presented with fly pupae (a more preferred source of protein) and sucrose, the foraging rate on pupae was greater than on sucrose for colonies containing brood and the foraging rate on protein and sucrose was similar for colonies without brood. The foraging rate of P. megacephala for proteins and carbohydrates depended upon the type of protein, but was not affected by the presence of brood.

Acceptability of different sugars and oils to three tropical ant species (Hymen., Formicidae)

Baits are generally more effective than insecticidal sprays and dusts for controlling ant infestations. It is important to use a highly acceptable food attractant in order for baits to be effective. We examined the acceptability of 6 sugars and oils to 3 ant species,Pheidole megacephala (Fab.),Ochetellus glaber (Mayr), andParatrechina longicornis (Latr.). One of these sugars, melezitose, is a trisaccharide found only in the honeydew of homopterous insects.P. megacephala showed a significant preference for melezitose over maltose and trehalose, but not over fructose and surcose. O.glaber significantly preferred sucrose over maltose andP. longicornis did not show any significant preferences for the different sugars.P. megacephala showed a significant preference for olive oil. NeitherO. glaber norP. longicornis showed a preference for the different oils and there were very low numbers ofO. glaber andP. longicornis workers attracted to oiltreated disks. Hence, oil-based baits would probably not be effective for controlling either of these latter two ant species.

Effect of Two Ant Species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on the Foraging and Survival of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rbinotermitidae)

We examined the effect of 2 ant species, the bigheaded ant, Pheidole megacephala (F.), and Ochetellus glaber (Mayr),on the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. We also examined how differences in the proportion of termite soldiers affected the susceptibility of C. formosanus to predation by P. megacephala . In sand-filled containers, C. formosanus was more vulnerable to predation by P. megacephala than by O. glaber . However, the presence of ants of either species caused substantial mortality of termite soldiers P. megacephala was much more invasive of termite galleries than O. glaber . Termites exposed to P. megacephala suffered greater mortality compared with controls, regardless of worker to soldier ratio. However, there was no difference in termite mortality among replicates with different worker to soldier ratios. In the absence of sand, both ant species caused 100% mortality of termites after 1 wk of exposure.

Toxicity and Repellency of Semiochemicals Extracted from a Dolichoderine Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The anal gland secretions of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae contain terpenoids that are known to have insecticidal properties. The repellency and toxicity of whole-body extracts and chemical fractions of such extracts from the dolichoderine ant ochetellus glaber (Mayr) to Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae) were examined. Extract-treated sand caused significant termite mortality in a direct-exposure assay. Termites were also repelled by extract-treated sand and the chemical repellency lasted for at least one month in treated sand. The principal repellent components of O. glaber secretions were determined to be cis,trans-and trans,cis-isomers of dolichodial in a 3 :1 ratio.

Behavioral Responses of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to Semiochemicals of Seven Ant Species

Bioassays were performed to determine the behavioral responses of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki soldiers to ants or ant extracts. C. formosanus responded differently to semiochemicals of different ant species. A significantly greater proportion of termite soldiers responded aggressively to Pheidole megacephala (F.) than to other ant species. Termite soldiers were significantly less likely to respond aggressively to Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Tetramorium simillimum (F. Smith), and Ochetellus glaber (Mayr) than to other ant species. Termites avoided contact with O. glaber in 85.3% of trials, but only avoided contact with other ant species in 18% or less of trials. Termite soldiers were significantly more likely to respond to freshly killed ants than to solvent-treated ants of the same species. Termites also responded similarly to freshly killed ants and dead termites treated with ant extracts, indicating that termite responses were mediated, at least in part, by chemical cues. The ability of C. formosanus to distinguish among different ant species on the basis of semiochemicals could be an adaptive response that allows them to recognize particularly threatening enemies.