Foraging and nest maintenance activity of the leafcutter ant Acromyrmex lobicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in an organic vineyard in the Monte desert of Mendoza, Argentina

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (04) ◽  
pp. 120-128
Author(s):  
Carla V. DAGATTI ◽  
Gabriela A. VARGAS
Keyword(s):  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Maintenance Activity ◽  
Monte Desert ◽  
Acromyrmex Lobicornis ◽  
Nest Maintenance ◽  
Full Day ◽  
Positive Effect

Exclusive to the Neotropical region, leaf cutter ants are considered agricultural pests, although they can also have a positive effect on plants. In Mendoza vineyards, vegetal biodiversity is minimal, therefore they cut off this plant as a feeding resource. Acromyrmex lobicornis Emery it is mostly nocturnal and forages according to temperature. Foraging and maintenance activity was measured monthly in 14 colonies, throughout a full day at fourhour intervals, from October 2019 to March 2020. Acromyrmex lobicornis showed different seasonal patterns of foraging activity. Foraging intensity was highest throughout January and February, intermediate during December, and lowest in October and November. A bimodal feeding pattern was observed, foraging both day and night avoiding the hottest hours. The maximum collection of fragments was observed in the range of 10 and 19 °C, less between 20 - 39 °C, minimum between 40 - 49 °C and null between 0 - 9 °C. The nest - maintenance activity was maximum between 20 - 29 °C, less between 30 - 39 ° C, minimum between 40 - 49 °C and null between 0 - 20 °C.

scholarly journals Leaf Temperature and Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) Driving Stomatal Conductance and Biochemical Processes of Leaf Photosynthetic Rate in a Subtropical Evergreen Coniferous Plantation

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 4063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Li ◽  
Lei Zhou ◽  
Shaoqiang Wang ◽  
Yonggang Chi ◽  
Jinghua Chen
Keyword(s):  
Stomatal Conductance ◽  
Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Vapour Pressure Deficit ◽  
Leaf Temperature ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Subtropical China ◽  
Biochemical Processes ◽  
Leaf Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Positive Effect

Photosynthesis is arguably the most important biochemical process on Earth, which is dramatically influenced by environmental conditions. How environmental factors drive stomatal conductance and biochemical processes of leaf photosynthetic rate has not been sufficiently investigated in subtropical China. In this study, we analysed the effects of stomatal and biochemical parameters on the photosynthetic rate of native Masson’s pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and exotic slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) in response to leaf temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in subtropical China, based on leaf gas exchange measurements in 2016. Our results showed that there was no significant difference in the light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Asat) between native Masson’s pine and exotic slash pine. The seasonal patterns of maximum rate of the carboxylation (Vcmax25) were basically consistent with seasonal patterns of Asat for both species. The positive effect of leaf temperature on Asat was mainly produced through its positive effect on Vcmax25. Leaf temperature had no significant effect on stomatal conductance. Vcmax25 and gs simultaneously affected Asat in response to VPD. Our results highlighted the importance of biochemical processes in limiting leaf photosynthetic rate in response to environmental conditions in subtropical evergreen coniferous plantations.

Seasonal patterns of body temperature and activity in free-ranging muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus)

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. MacArthur
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Ondatra Zibethicus ◽  
Winter Foraging ◽  
Body Cooling ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Foraging Time

Radiotelemetry techniques were employed to study the relationship between activity and abdominal temperature (Tb) changes in free-ranging muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Body cooling accompanied foraging activity by adults in winter and juveniles in summer and was retarded by periodic withdrawal from water. Net Tb decline during winter foraging rarely exceeded 2 °C and was relatively independent of foraging time for excursions exceeding 40 min duration. In addition to periodic rewarming within feeding shelters, muskrats appeared to avoid hypothermia during under-ice excursions by elevating Tb prior to entering water. This elevation was maximal (mean increase = 1.2 °C) for excursions exceeding 40 min duration. Comparable increases were not observed in summer.

Revision of world Austroterobiinae and Parasaphodinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae), parasitoids of giant scales (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Monophlebidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4301 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
MIRCEA-DAN MITROIU
Keyword(s):  
Neotropical Region ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Afrotropical Region ◽  
The World ◽  
First Time

The world genera and species of Austroterobiinae and Parasaphodinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) are revised. Austroterobia Girault includes eight valid species, of which five are described as new: A. achterbergi sp. nov., A. iceryae Bouček, A. gatesi sp. nov., A. heydoni sp. nov., A. maldica Narendran & Das, A. noyesi sp. nov., A. partibrunnea Girault, and A. partiviridis sp. nov. Teasienna Heydon includes five valid species, of which four are described as new: T. africana sp. nov., T. burksi sp. nov., T. eirene Heydon, T. gibsoni sp. nov., and T. heratyi sp. nov. Parasaphodes Schulz includes four valid species, of which one is described as new: P. afer sp. nov., P. flavipes (Ashmead) comb. nov., P. iceryae (Ashmead), and P. townsendi (Ashmead). Additionally, another new combination is proposed, Chrysolampus japonicus (Ashmead) comb. nov. The lectotypes of Parasaphodes flavipes and P. townsendi are designated. Teasienna males and the male of A. partibrunnea are described for the first time. The subfamily Austroterobiinae is recorded for the first time in the Neotropical region, while the subfamily Parasaphodinae is recorded for the first time in the Afrotropical region. All species with known biology are parasitoids of giant scales, especially Icerya Signoret (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Monophlebidae), some of which are important agricultural pests. 

scholarly journals Seasonal Patterns of the Foraging Ecology of Myrmelachista arthuri Forel, 1903 (Formicidae: Formicinae)

Sociobiology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
Gustavo Henrique Castro ◽  
Débora Yumi Kayano ◽  
Rodrigo Fernando Souza ◽  
Alexandre Wagner Hilsdorf ◽  
Rodrigo Machado Feitosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Forest Trees ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Neotropical Species ◽  
Generalist Diet ◽  
Worker Activity

Temporal dynamics of foraging activity, diet and habitat are key to understanding the bioecology of ants. These patterns are poorly studied in many Neotropical species, such as those belonging to genus Myrmelachista. In the present work, we investigate the foraging behavior and diet of M. arthuri and describe aspects of their food-searching behavior. We recorded the dynamics of workers exiting and entering nests built in the stems of native Atlantic forest trees during the cold/dry and warm/wet seasons. Food items carried by workers were also counted and identified. Myrmelachista arthuri foraged throughout the day, but worker activity became more intense as temperature increased and moisture declined, regardless of the season, and especially in the afternoon. This species had a generalist diet: 92% of the food items were live or dead arthropods or their remains, and a small proportion consisted of plant materials, such as seeds. Arthropod fragments, mostly of M. arthuri workers, represented the largest proportion of the diet, followed by whole Collembola individuals. Food items did not vary between seasons, the number of items was higher in the cold/dry season. The results of this work contribute to the understanding of M. arthuri biology, especially related to foraging dynamics.

scholarly journals Observations on the urban ecology of the Neotropical stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

2013 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita I. Velez-Ruiz ◽  
Victor H. Gonzalez ◽  
Michael S. Engel
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Urban Ecology ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Stingless Bee ◽  
Nest Entrance ◽  
Foraging Activity ◽  
Tetragonisca Angustula

Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille) is a small, docile, cavity-nestingstingless bee that is widely distributed in the Neotropical region. This speciesis particularly abundant in disturbed environments, including humansettlements. Between August 2005 and March 2006, we located and followed duringeight months 59 nests of this species in Medellín, the second most populatedcity in Colombia. Herein, we document their foraging behavior, mortality, andincidence of predators and natural enemies. Also, to determine if higherambient temperature and light intensity in urban environments affect the dailyforaging activity of T. angustula, wecompared the daily foraging activity of bees from nests found in open areas in thecity and bees from nests from a nearby covered, forested area. Likewise, todetermine if urban nests of T. angustulaare largely undetected and undisturbed by people, we experimentally made themvisible by adding a ring color (white, red, or black) around the nest entrance tube.Our observations indicate that higher ambient temperature and light intensity inurban environments do not significantly affect the daily foraging activity of T. angustula. Nearly half of the markednests disappeared, thus suggesting that nests of T. angustula are often undetected by people in Medellín. We discussbriefly some features of the biology of T.angustula that might contribute to its success in urban environments.

Nest Maintenance Activity of Dinoponera quadriceps in a Natural Environment

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-171
Author(s):  
Jeniffer C. Medeiros ◽  
Dina L. O. Azevedo ◽  
Melquisedec A. D. Santana ◽  
Arrilton Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Maintenance Activity ◽  
Nest Maintenance

scholarly journals Anatomy of male and female reproductive organs of stink bugs pests (Pentatomidae: Heteroptera) from soybean and rice crops

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinícius Albano Araújo ◽  
Tito Bacca ◽  
Lucimar Gomes Dias
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Ejaculatory Duct ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Stink Bugs ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Terminal Filament ◽  
Microscopy Techniques

Abstract: Pentatomidae comprises a diverse group of stink bugs widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Many species are phytophagous and cause injuries to plants, and can thus be defined as agricultural pests. In this study, the anatomy of the female and male reproductive tracts of three important agricultural pests in Colombia is described: Piezodorus guildinii Westwood, 1837 and Chinavia ubicaRolston 1983, found on soybeans, and Oebalus insularis Stål, 1872, found in rice crops. For that, light microscopy techniques were used. The anatomy of the reproductive tract of sexually mature males of the three species studied consisted of a pair of testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory bulb, an ejaculatory duct that opens into an aedeagus, and paired accessory glands. The reproductive tract of females consisted of a pair of ovaries, each with seven telotrophic-meroistic ovarioles, a pair of lateral oviducts, common oviduct, spermatheca, and a genital chamber. Telotrophic ovarioles were comprised of terminal filament, tropharium, vitellarium, and pedicel. Differences in size, color, and position of structures along the reproductive tract were observed between the species examined. Reproductive biology of insects provides informative characters for behavioral and evolutionary studies, as well as useful data for pest control strategies.

Taxonomic revision and morphometric analysis of Meteorus Haliday, 1835 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Meteorinae) from Colombia

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2938 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
HELMUTH AGUIRRE ◽  
CARLOS E. SARMIENTO ◽  
SCOTT R. SHAW
Keyword(s):  
Function Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Species Differentiation ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
New Hosts ◽  
Components Analysis

Meteorus Haliday 1835 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a cosmopolitan genus with nearly 250 species around the world. Its species are koinobiont endoparasitoids that use Coleoptera and Lepidoptera caterpillars as hosts, some of them are important agricultural pests. The Meteorus fauna is better known for the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical and Australian regions, but these wasps are poorly studied in the Neotropical region. From Colombia only two species have been previously reported. The goals of this paper are to study the taxonomic diversity of Meteorus from Colombia and to test the taxonomic value of morphometric characters used to discriminate species. The taxonomic value of the morphometric traits is tested using discriminant function analysis, principal components analysis and graphical exploration of data. A taxonomic key and diagnoses for the species are presented. Nineteen species are newly described: M. amazonensis sp. nov., M. andreae sp. nov., M. antioquensis sp. nov., M. boyacensis sp. nov., M. calimai sp. nov., M. caquetensis sp. nov., M. cecavorum sp. nov., M. chingazensis sp. nov., M. dixi sp. nov., M. farallonensis sp. nov., M. guacharensis sp. nov., M. guineverae sp. nov., M. huilensis sp. nov., M. iguaquensis sp. nov., M. jerodi sp. nov., M. magdalensis sp. nov., M. muiscai sp. nov., M. quimbayensis sp. nov., M. santanderensis sp. nov. Sixteen species are new records for Colombia: M. alejandromasisi Zitani, M. arizonensis Muesebeck, M. corniculatus Zitani, M. desmiae Zitani, M. dimidiatus (Cresson), M. dos Zitani, M. mariamartae Zitani, M. megalops Zitani, M. oviedoi Shaw & Nishida, M. papiliovorus Zitani, M. pseudodimidiatus Zitani, M. rogerblancoi Zitani, M. rugonasus Shaw & Jones, M. townsendi Muesebeck, M. uno Zitani, M. yamijuanum Zitani. Most of the new species are found in Andean forests above 2000 m. New hosts are recorded for M. alejandromasisi, M. laphygmae, M. papiliovorus and M. rubens. The morphometric traits of the head are the most useful for separating species. In contrast, the wings traits are very labile and species differentiation with only wing characters is difficult.

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