scholarly journals Cryptic Diversity in Colombian Edible Leaf-Cutting Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Insects ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Pepijn Kooij ◽  
Bryn Dentinger ◽  
David Donoso ◽  
Jonathan Shik ◽  
Ester Gaya
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Atta Texana ◽  
Leaf Cutting ◽  
Atta Colombica

Leaf-cutting ants are often considered agricultural pests, but they can also benefit local people and serve important roles in ecosystems. Throughout their distribution, winged reproductive queens of leaf-cutting ants in the genus Atta Fabricius, 1804 are consumed as a protein-rich food source and sometimes used for medical purposes. Little is known, however, about the species identity of collected ants and the accuracy of identification when ants are sold, ambiguities that may impact the conservation status of Atta species as well as the nutritional value that they provide to consumers. Here, 21 samples of fried ants bought in San Gil, Colombia, were identified to species level using Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) barcoding sequences. DNA was extracted from these fried samples using standard Chelex extraction methods, followed by phylogenetic analyses with an additional 52 new sequences from wild ant colonies collected in Panama and 251 publicly available sequences. Most analysed samples corresponded to Atta laevigata (Smith, 1858), even though one sample was identified as Atta colombica Guérin-Méneville, 1844 and another one formed a distinct branch on its own, more closely related to Atta texana (Buckley, 1860) and Atta mexicana (Smith, 1858). Analyses further confirm paraphyly within Atta sexdens (Linnaeus, 1758) and A. laevigata clades. Further research is needed to assess the nutritional value of the different species.

scholarly journals The Effect of nest Size and Species Identity on Plant Selection in Acromyrmex Leaf-Cutting Ants

Sociobiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Elizabeth Jofre ◽  
Ana Irene Medina ◽  
Alejandro Gustavo Farji-Brener ◽  
Marta Matilde Moglia
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Colony Growth ◽  
Nest Size ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Intrinsic Factors ◽  
Leaf Cutting

Leaf-cutting ants are key organisms because their role as primary consumers and potential agricultural pests. However, their foraging ecology was mostly studied as response of extrinsic factors such as climate and plant species traits. We evaluated the effects of intrinsic factors (i. e., nest size and species identity) on the foraging behavior in two species of Acromyrmex Mayr leaf-cutting ants. While large and small nests of A. lobicornis Emery showed similar feeding behavior, small nests of A. striatus Roger harvested a greater percent of the plant species available in their foraging area and showed a higher level of selectivity than larger nests. We discussed some probable reasons for this pattern. Our results highlight the relevance of intrinsic factors and species characteristics to explain changes in the foraging ecology of leaf-cutting ants as colony growth.

The possible use of methyl 4-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate, an ant trail pheromone, as a component of an improved bait for leaf-cutting ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) control

1978 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. W. Robinson ◽  
J. M. Cherrett
Keyword(s):  
Trail Pheromone ◽  
Nest Entrance ◽  
Acromyrmex Octospinosus ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Citrus Pulp ◽  
Single File ◽  
Atta Texana ◽  
Leaf Cutting ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Ant Trail

AbstractA trail pheromone, methyl 4-methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate (M4MP2C), of Atta texana (Buckley) was tested in the laboratory as a possible component of attractive poison bait for the leaf-cutting ants A. cephalotes (L.), A. sexdens (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich). For all three species, M4MP2C when impregnated onto paper discs increased pick-up of the discs. It also increased pick-up by Atta sexdens of a citrus-pulp bait. The addition of M4MP2C made them easier to find, although at high concentrations it was repellent. It did not affect the average number of ant investigations before the bait was picked up. The pheromone remained on citrus-pulp bait in active concentrations for approximately four days. To test -the effect of M4MP2C as a foraging stimulant for A. cephalotes, an apparatus was constructed in which the ants passed in single file over a transparent section of the trail where they were counted with a photoelectric cell. When bait impregnated with M4MP2C was placed on the foraging table, large increases in activity were recorded away from the nest but only small increases were recorded in the nest and at the nest entrance. When air containing M4MP2C vapour was injected into the fungus chamber, an increase in activity was recorded at the nest entrance, but this increase was not repeated when known amounts of the pheromone impregnated onto baits of filter-paper discs were added directly to the fungus chamber. It is suggested that factors other than M4MP2C are also involved in the stimulation of foraging activity. The experiments suggest that M4MP2C could play some part in the formulation of an attractive bait for the control of leaf-cutting ants.

Antibiotic-producing bacteria associated with the nests of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa

Planta Medica ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
EA Silva-Junior ◽  
CR Paludo ◽  
FS Nascimento ◽  
CR Currie ◽  
J Clardy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Atta Sexdens Rubropilosa ◽  
Leaf Cutting

scholarly journals Sympodiomyces attinorum sp. nov., a yeast species associated with nests of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens

2004 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 1891-1894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solange C. Carreiro ◽  
Fernando C. Pagnocca ◽  
Maurício Bacci ◽  
Marc-André Lachance ◽  
Odair C. Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yeast Species ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Leaf Cutting ◽  
Large Subunit Rrna ◽  
Waste Deposit

Four strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from laboratory nests of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens in Brazil. Three strains were found in older sponges and one was in a waste deposit in the ant nests. Sequencing of the D1/D2 region of the large-subunit rRNA gene showed that the novel species, named Sympodiomyces attinorum sp. nov., is phylogenetically related to Sympodiomyces parvus. Unlike Sympodiomyces parvus, Sympodiomyces attinorum can ferment glucose, assimilate methyl α-d-glucoside, salicin and citrate, and grow at 37 °C, thus enabling these two species to be distinguished. Differentiation from other related species is possible on the basis of other growth characteristics. The type strain of Sympodiomyces attinorum is UNESP-S156T (=CBS 9734T=NRRL Y-27639T).

scholarly journals Distribution of Atta (Hymenoptera - Formicidae) in "terra-firme" rain forest of Central Amazonia: density, species composition and preliminary results on effects of forest fragmentation

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 309-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heraldo Luís de Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Fragment ◽  
Terra Firme ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Continuous Forest ◽  
Leaf Cutting

One hundred and fourteen hectares of a "terra-fiirme" rain forest 70 km north of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, were surveyed for leaf-cutting ant colonies (Atta spp). One half of this area was in isolated forest fragments (surrounded by pastures or second growth) of two sizes: 1 and 10 ha. The other half was in non-isolated fragments (connected to a large parch of forest) of the same sizes. Only two species occured in this forest: Atta sexdens sexdens L. and A. cepfhalotes L. The first was the most abundant species with a mean density of 0.35 colonies per ha. The mean density of A. cephalotes colonies was 0.03 per ha. The density of colonies was not significantly different between the isolated fragments and the continuous forest. Furthermore, the species composition did not change with isolation. However, pre-isolation data and long term monitoring are necessary to conclude that the isolation of a forest fragment has no effect upon Atta colonies. The non-uniform spatial distribution of Atta colonics within the "terra-firme" forest must be taken into account when selecting conservation areas in the Amazon, in order to preserve this important group of ants together with their native habitat.

scholarly journals BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN LEAF-CUTTING ANTS, Atta sexdens (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE), USING PATHOGENIC FUNGI

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarcísio Marcos Macedo Mota Filho ◽  
Luis Eduardo Pontes Stefanelli ◽  
Roberto da Silva Camargo ◽  
Carlos Alberto Oliveira de Matos ◽  
Luiz Carlos Forti
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Chemical Control ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
The Other ◽  
Fungus Garden ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Main Method ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Leaf Cutting

ABSTRACT Chemical control using toxic baits containing the active ingredient sulfluramid at 0.3% (w/w) is the main method for controlling leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex. However, since 2009, when sulfluramid was included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, there has been an intense search for new methods that are efficient in controlling these insects. Among said new methods, biological control using pathogenic fungi has shown promising results in laboratory conditions. The objective of this study, given the context presented, was to assess the potential of the fungi Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma harzianum in controlling Atta sexdens. Colonies of A. sexdens were exposed to the fungi by means of formulated baits provided in a foraging chamber, or of suspensions sprayed on the fungus garden, and had their behavioral changes recorded for 21 days. For both formulations, concentrations of 10 and 20% (w/w) of the fungi being studied were used. The results allowed concluding that baits containing 10 and 20% (w/w) of the fungi B. bassiana and T. harzianum were not efficient in controlling colonies of A sexdens. On the other hand, spraying suspensions of 20% (w/w) of B. bassiana and 10% and 20% (w/w) of T. harzianum was efficient and resulted in 100% mortality of the colonies 11, 9 and 7 days after application, respectively. These findings indicate that the fungi B. bassiana and T. harzianum are promising as agents for the control of A. sexdens colonies, when sprayed on the fungus garden, although there are still some challenges as to their use related to the development of technologies for the application of the pathogen.

scholarly journals Effect of strains and extraction methods on β-glucan production, antioxidant properties, and FTIR Spectra from mushroom fruiting bodies of Schizophyllum commune Fr. in Thailand

Food Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-415
Author(s):  
N. Mongkontanawat ◽  
D. Thumrongchote
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Schizophyllum Commune ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Alkali Extraction ◽  
Medicinal Properties

Schizophyllum commune Fr., a native mushroom of Thailand, has a high nutritional value and is classified as a mushroom with medicinal properties that can neutralize the growth of many cancer cells. This research aimed to study the effect of S. commune strains and the extraction methods on the quantity and properties of β-glucan. The five S. commune Fr. strains used in this research consisted of Chanthaburi, 85-022, 85-023, 85-031, and 85- 043. There were two different β-glucan extraction methods employed: hot water (M1) and hot alkali extraction (M2), which were compared with the control (native-MR). The results indicated that the Chanthaburi strain has the highest β-glucan content 49.20±0.35% (w/w), and high potential antioxidant activity (79.14±0.77 DPPH% and 50.92±0.48 ABTS%) (p < 0.05). The extraction methods did not affect the yield of β-glucan, except the antioxidant properties and chemical structure of the extract substance. The extract substance from M2 has significantly the highest potential antioxidant activity (80.22±0.51). A mushroom juice drink in cans was developed using 1-day-old MR and adjusted pH of more than 7, which can increase the antioxidant properties of the product.

scholarly journals A new species (Begonia giganticaulis) of Begoniaceae from southern Xizang (Tibet) of China

PhytoKeys ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 187 ◽  
pp. 189-205
Author(s):  
Dai-Ke Tian ◽  
Wen-Guang Wang ◽  
Li-Na Dong ◽  
Yan Xiao ◽  
Min-Min Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Iucn Red List Categories ◽  
Unique Shape ◽  
A New Species

Begonia giganticaulis, a huge new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum of Begoniaceae from southern Xizang (Tibet) of China, is described. Morphologically, it is mostly similar to B. longifolia and B. acetosella, but clearly differs from the former mainly by its dioecious and taller plants, sparse hairs on abaxial veins, longer inflorescence, unique shape of fruits, and differs from the latter mainly by its late and longer flowering time, 6-tepals of female flower and 3-loculed ovary. The phylogenetic analyses also support the separation of the new species from other taxa. Based on the current data, its conservation status is assigned to Endangered (B2a) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

scholarly journals Seasonal Parasitism of the Leaf-Cutting Ant Atta sexdens Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by Phorid Flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in a Brazilian Cerrado-Atlantic Forest Ecotone

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Cliver Fernandes Farder-Gomes ◽  
Marco Antônio de Oliveira ◽  
Ana Carolina Ribeiro de Oliveira ◽  
Pollyana Leão Gonçalves ◽  
Evaldo Martins Pires ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Brazilian Cerrado ◽  
Atta Sexdens ◽  
Leaf Cutting ◽  
Phorid Flies ◽  
Forest Ecotone

scholarly journals Altitudinal distribution and advertisement call of Colostethus latinasus (Amphibia: Dendrobatidae), endemic species from eastern Panama and type species of Colostethus , with a molecular assessment of similar sympatric species

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4254 (1) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERTO D. IBÁÑEZ ◽  
EDGARDO J. GRIFFITH ◽  
KAREN R. LIPS ◽  
ANDREW J. CRAWFORD
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Advertisement Call ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Altitudinal Distribution ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Molecular Assessment

We conducted a molecular assessment of Colostethus-like frogs along an elevational gradient in the Serranía de Pirre, above Santa Cruz de Cana, eastern Panama, aiming to establish their species identity and to determine the altitudinal distribution of C. latinasus. Our findings confirm the view of C. latinasus as an endemic species restricted to the highlands of this mountain range, i.e., 1350–1475 m.a.s.l., considered to be type locality of this species. We described the advertisement call of C. latinasus that consists of a series of 4–18 single, short and relatively loud “peep”-like notes given in rapid succession, and its spectral and temporal features were compared with calls of congeneric species. For the first time, DNA sequences from C. latinasus were obtained, since previously reported sequences were based on misidentified specimens. This is particularly important because C. latinasus is the type species of Colostethus, a genus considered paraphyletic according to recent phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data. 

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