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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Neighbor colonies affect level of foraging in the generalist ant Pheidole oxyops (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

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Author(s):
Assis, Diego Santana [1] ; Rodrigues Camargo, Giovanni Abrami [1] ; Barrios, Katty [1] ; Tannure-Nascimento, Ivelize C. [2] ; do Nascimento, Fabio Santos [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, BR-1404190 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Dept Morfol & Fisiol Anim, Campus Jaboticabal, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST; v. 104, n. 2, p. 71-76, JUN 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Pheidole oxyops Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a generalist ant that can display passive and active forage strategies. Moreover, this species can forage actively for a variety of food resources from plant debris to dead arthropods. In this study we tested whether abiotic factors (e.g., daytime, temperature, and residual soil accumulation), as well as neighboring colonies, could influence the patterns of foraging activity. Forage activity was observed in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Also, we recorded the frequency of individuals, direction, and ground surface temperature during foraging events. Our results showed that forage direction was not affected by residual soil accumulation and neighboring P. oxyops colonies. The rate of departures from nests decreased as ground surface temperature increased, but nest exits increased significantly with the occurrence of nearby P. oxyops colonies. We observed also that P. oxyops appeared to maximize forage activities during the evening period that would reduce their exposure to potential predators, competitors, and any adverse effects associated with direct solar radiation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/17358-0 - Diversity and evolution of chemical composition of cuticle in leaf-cutter ants (Formicidae: Attini: Atta-Genus group)
Grantee:Diego Santana Assis
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 15/25301-9 - Evaluating the exogenous and endogenous mechanisms influencing variability of cuticular hydrocarbons in Neotropical social insects
Grantee:Fábio Santos do Nascimento
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants