The European fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as an invasive species: impact on local ant species and other epigaeic arthropods

2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Naumann ◽  
Rob J. Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Fire Ant ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Myrmica Rubra ◽  
Invasive Ant ◽  
Arthropod Species ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Epigaeic Arthropods ◽  
Invasive Species Impact

AbstractPitfall trapping revealed that the European fire ant,Myrmica rubra(Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), represents an unusual example of a temperate invasive ant species. In British Columbia, Canada,M. rubrapopulations are associated with a decreased incidence and abundance of other ant species in three different plant communities when compared withM. rubra-free control areas.M. rubrarepresented more than 99.99% of the total ant fauna caught in the infested areas, and the numbers ofM. rubracaptured in the plant communities ranged from over 10 times to over 1300 times the total number of all ants collected in correspondingM. rubra-free areas. Total numbers of some taxa of insects and non-insect arthropods, including those likely to be competitors or prey ofM. rubra, were reduced where the invasive species was present. Biodiversity indexes for the overall suite of captured arthropod species were lower whereM. rubrawas present in all three plant communities but most of this decrease can be attributed to the difference in the ant fauna.

scholarly journals Parasitic fauna of the invasive house sparrow (Passer domesticus) from Ñuble region, Chile: an example of co-introduced parasites

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Oyarzún-Ruiz ◽  
Guissel Cárdenas ◽  
María Carolina Silva-de la Fuente ◽  
Nicolás Martin ◽  
Sergey Mironov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
House Sparrow ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Parasitic Fauna ◽  
Arthropod Species ◽  
Low Degree ◽  
Native Birds ◽  
First Time ◽  
Invasive Species Impact

Abstract Invasive species impact native wildlife in several ways, as they compete for resources and may transmit their specific pathogens. However, the potential consequences of co-introduced parasites are not fully understood. While the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) was introduced in Chile about a century ago, no data are available regarding its parasites. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the parasitic fauna of this avian invader and to determine whether there are co-introduced/co-invasive parasites shared with native birds. One hundred and eight birds were collected from three different localities in the Ñuble region of Chile, and a complete parasitic necropsy was performed in the laboratory. Twenty-three (21.3%) were parasitized by six arthropod species and four (3.7%) were parasitized by two helminth species. Four out of eight taxa are reported for the first time in Chile; among them, three arthropod parasites and the tapeworm, Anonchotaenia globate, are considered as co-introduced parasites. Only A. globata is a potential co-invasive parasite given its low degree specificity in terms of its definitive hosts. Future research should examine whether additional co-introduced/co-invasive parasites have been brought by the house sparrow, and what their potential consequences might be on the health of native birds in Chile.

Vegetation ecology with anthropic drivers and consequences

2021 ◽  
pp. 030913332199937
Author(s):  
George P Malanson ◽  
Michelle L Talal ◽  
Elizabeth R Pansing ◽  
Scott B Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Fire Ecology ◽  
Progress Report ◽  
Processes Of Change ◽  
Community Classification ◽  
The Status ◽  
Plant Community Classification ◽  
Anthropogenic Drivers

Current research on vegetation makes a difference in people’s lives. Plant community classification is a backbone of land management, plant communities are changing in response to anthropogenic drivers, and the processes of change have impacts on ecosystem services. In the following progress report, we summarize the status of classification and recent research on vegetation responses to pollution, especially nitrogen deposition, invasive species, climate change, and land use and direct exploitation. Two areas with human feedbacks are underscored: fire ecology and urban ecology. Prominent questions at the current research frontier are highlighted with attention to new perspectives.

scholarly journals Bacterial transfer from Pristionchus entomophagus nematodes to the invasive ant Myrmica rubra and the potential for colony mortality in coastal Maine

iScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 102663
Author(s):  
Suzanne L. Ishaq ◽  
Alice Hotopp ◽  
Samantha Silverbrand ◽  
Jonathan E. Dumont ◽  
Amy Michaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myrmica Rubra ◽  
Invasive Ant

scholarly journals A vegetation description and floristic analyses of the springs on the Kammanassie Mountain, Western Cape

Koedoe ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cleaver ◽  
L.R. Brown ◽  
G.J. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Mountain Catchment ◽  
Habitat Factors ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Twinspan Classification ◽  
Geological Origin ◽  
The Difference

The Kammanassie Mountain is a declared mountain catchment area and a Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra population is preserved on the mountain. The high number of springs on the mountain not only provides water for the animal species but also contributes to overall ecosystem functioning. Long-term conservation of viable ecosystems requires a broader understanding of the ecological processes involved. It was therefore decided that a classification, description and mapping of the spring vegetation of the Kammanassie Mountain be undertaken. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 11 major plant communities that could be related to geological origin. Habitat factors associated with differences in vegetation include topography, soil type and grazing. Descriptions of the plant communities include diagnostic species as well as prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub and herbaceous layers. The results also indicate a high species richness compared to similar regions and the difference between plant communities of wet and dry springs. This data is important for long-term monitoring of the spring ecosystems as well as for the compilation of management plans.

scholarly journals Distinct colony boundaries and larval discrimination in polygyne red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
MacKenzie Kjeldgaard ◽  
Pierre-André Eyer ◽  
Collin McMichael ◽  
Alison Bockoven ◽  
Joanie King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solenopsis Invicta ◽  
Sucrose Solution ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Fire Ants ◽  
Fire Ant ◽  
Red Imported Fire Ant ◽  
Invasive Ant ◽  
Nestmate Discrimination ◽  
Social Forms

Evaluating the factors that promote invasive ant abundance is critical to assess their ecological impact and inform their management. Many invasive ant species show reduced nestmate recognition and an absence of boundaries between unrelated nests, which allow populations to achieve greater densities due to reduced intraspecific competition. We examined nestmate discrimination and colony boundaries in introduced populations of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta; hereafter, fire ant). Fire ants occur in two social forms: monogyne (colonies with a single egg-laying queen) and polygyne (colonies with multiple egg-laying queens). In contrast with monogyne nests, polygyne nests are thought to be interconnected due to the reduced antagonism between non-nestmate polygyne workers, perhaps because polygyne workers habituate the colony to an odor unique to Gp-9-carrying adults. However, colony boundaries and nestmate discrimination are poorly documented, particularly for worker-brood interactions. To delimit boundaries between field colonies, we correlated the exchange of a N-glycine tracer dissolved in a sucrose solution with social form. We also evaluated nestmate discrimination between polygyne workers and larvae in the laboratory. Counter to our expectations, polygyne colonies behaved identically to monogyne colonies, suggesting both social forms maintain strict colony boundaries. Polygyne workers also preferentially fed larval nestmates and may have selectively cannibalized non-nestmates. The levels of relatedness among workers in polygyne colonies was higher than those previously reported in North America (mean ±SE: 0.269 ± 0.037). Our study highlights the importance of combining genetic analyses with direct quantification of resource exchange to better understand the factors influencing ant invasions.

scholarly journals Populations of Heracleum sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) in Kyiv (Ukraine)

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-228
Author(s):  
Lubov Gubar ◽  
Serhii Koniakin
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Heracleum Sosnowskyi ◽  
Secondary Range ◽  
Natural Range ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
Ruderal Plant

Abstract In connection with the increasing negative impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity and the environment in general, their research, as well as throughout the world, is relevant. The distribution of the Heracleum sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum of the secondary range on the example of the Kyiv agglomeration is investigated in the work. In our study we aimed to evaluate the possibility of spontaneous spread of giant hogweeds in the secondary range, adaptation of the species to the new conditions of the environment that favor to control of these species’ expansion and reduce the threat to the urban ecosystems and citizens’ health. We hypothesise that in the secondary range H. sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum settle sites with relatively high temperature (Tr), lightening (Lc), and soil moisture conditions similar to that in their natural range. 17 populations and four localities (sites) of H. sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum were studied. They were found within forest, meadow, riverine and ruderal plant communities. It is indicated that the advent species fully adapted to the conditions of the environment. The difference by ecological indicators Lc2 and Tm1 is pointed out. According to the results of our research, for the area of Kyiv urban agglomeration the growth of H. sosnowskyi and H. mantegazzianum is indicated in the plants communities of six classes. They spread most in ruderal plant communities of the: Robinietea, Artemisietea, Epilobietea classes. The studied species belong to invasive plant species in Ukraine and are characterized by extremely high effect on the environment and high invasive potential.

An invasive ant distribution database to support biosecurity risk analysis in the Pacific

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica A. M. Gruber ◽  
Meghan Cooling ◽  
Allan R. Burne
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Invasive Ants ◽  
Invasive Ant ◽  
Conflicting Information ◽  
The Pacific

Invasive species are one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. Up-to-date and accurate information on the distribution of invasive species is an important biosecurity risk analysis tool. Several databases are available to determine the distributions of invasive and native species. However, keeping this information current is a real challenge. Ants are among the most widespread invasive species. Five species of ants are listed in the IUCN list of damaging invasive species, and many other species are also invasive in the Pacific. We sought to determine and update the distribution information for the 18 most problematic invasive ant species in the Pacific to assist Small Island Developing States with risk analysis. We compared the information on six public databases, conducted a literature review, and contacted experts on invasive ants in the Pacific region to resolve conflicting information. While most public records were accurate we found some new records had not yet been incorporated in the public databases, and some information was inaccurate. The maintenance of public databases faces an enormous challenge in balancing completeness (~15 000 ant species in this case) with accuracy (the impossibility of constantly surveying) and utility.

Comparing Effectiveness and Impacts of Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Control Treatments and Herbivory on Plant Communities

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S. Ward ◽  
Scott C. Williams ◽  
Thomas E. Worthley
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Japanese Barberry ◽  
Treatment Type

AbstractTwo factors that can degrade native plant community composition and structure, and hinder restoration efforts, are invasive species and chronic overbrowsing by ungulates such as white-tailed deer. Beginning in 2007, the effectiveness, costs, and impacts of Japanese barberry control treatments and herbivory on nonnative and native plant communities was examined at eight study areas over 4 to 5 yr. Prescribed burning and mechanical mowing by wood shredder or brush saw were utilized as initial treatments to reduce the aboveground portion of established barberry and were equally effective. Without a follow-up treatment, barberry had recovered to 56 to 81% of pretreatment levels 50 to 62 mo after initial treatment. Follow-up treatments in mid-summer to kill new sprouts included directed heating and foliar herbicide applications. Relative to untreated controls, follow-up treatments lowered barberry cover 50 to 62 mo after initial treatment by at least 72%. Although all follow-up treatments were equally effective, the labor cost of directed heating was four times higher than for herbicide applications. Follow-up treatment type (directed heating vs. herbicide) had minimal impact on species other than barberry. White-tailed deer herbivory had a larger impact on other species than did barberry control treatments. Native grass and fern cover was higher outside of exclosures. Areas inside exclosures had higher cover of Oriental bittersweet and multiflora rose, but not Japanese barberry. Thus, recovery of native communities will require more than simply removing the dominant invasive species where deer densities are high. Excellent reduction of Japanese barberry cover can be achieved using either directed heating or herbicides as follow-up treatments in a two-step process, but other invasive plants may become a problem when barberry is removed if deer populations are low.

Biological invasions in the context of green roofs

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 32-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Kinlocka ◽  
Bracha Y. Schindler ◽  
Jessica Gurevitch
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Plant Invasions ◽  
Ecological Aspects ◽  
Urban Environmental Problems

Green roofs can mitigate a number of urban environmental problems when green roof plant communities provide ecosystem services. However, this perspective may fail to address ecological aspects of the plant community. In particular, it does not account for the potential for green roofs to facilitate biological invasions. We consider current research in green roof ecology in light of the literature on biological invasions, focusing on plant invasion. We evaluate the role of species composition and novel communities, species interactions, succession, and dispersal on the trajectory of green roof plant communities. Green roofs have the potential to introduce invasive species through initial plantings, to become dominated by invasive species, and to spread invasive species, and we provide recommendations for plant selection and maintenance to reduce the risks of facilitating plant invasions to surrounding communities.

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