ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate ant species interacting with mealybugs in sugarcane plantations, the frequency of occurrence, and the effects of the interaction with ants on mealybug population size. The data was collected in a sugarcane plantation area in Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The insect species were collected from 70 thoroughly inspected sugarcane plants and the nature and frequency of the interactions were evaluated. The effect of the interaction with ants on mealybug abundance was evaluated by counting the number of adult females of each mealybug species on ten plants isolated and ten plants not isolated from ants. Two mealybug species were collected: Aclerda takahashii (Kuwana, 1932) and Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895). Ten and seven ant species were found interacting with A. takahashii and S. sacchari, respectively, which were distributed among six genera; the most frequent genera were Crematogaster and Camponotus. Three ant species interacted exclusively with A. takahashii, whereas the others interacted with both mealybug species. The abundance of A. takahashii females was significantly higher on non-isolated than on isolated plants (Paired t-test; t = 2.34; p = 0.04). However, no significant difference in S. sacchari abundance was found between isolated and non-isolated plants (t = 0.27; p = 0.8), nor for the two species combined (t = 1.9; p = 0.09). Thus, ant species that interact with mealybugs in sugarcane plantations cause increases in A. takahashii populations which, at a larger scale, can reduce crop yield.

RESUMO O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar o levantamento das espécies de formigas que apresentam interações com cochonilhas em plantios de cana-de-açúcar, registrando a frequência de ocorrência e o efeito da interação com as formigas sobre as populações de cochonilhas. A pesquisa foi realizada em plantio de cana-de-açúcar no município de Seropédica, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os insetos foram coletados em 70 plantas de cana-de-açúcar, observando-se a natureza das interações e a sua frequência. Para avaliar a influência da interação das formigas sobre a abundância das cochonilhas, foi obtido o número de fêmeas adultas de cada espécie de cochonilha em dez plantas isoladas de formigas e dez não isoladas. Foram coletadas duas espécies de cochonilhas: Aclerda takahashii (Kuwana, 1932) e Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895). Dez espécies de formigas foram observadas interagindo com A. takahashii, e sete espécies com S. sacchari, distribuídas em seis gêneros, sendo os mais frequentes Crematogaster e Camponotus. Três espécies de formigas interagiram somente com A. takahashii, as demais interagiram com ambas espécies de cochonilha. A abundância de fêmeas de A. takahashii foi significativamente maior nas plantas não isoladas que nas isoladas (t= 2,34; p = 0,04). Não foi observada diferença significativa na abundância de S. sacchari entre plantas isoladas e não isoladas (t= 0,27; p = 0,8), e para as duas espécies em conjunto (t= 1,9; p= 0,09). As espécies de formigas que interagem com cochonilhas em cana-de-açúcar provocam o aumento da população de A. takahashii, o que em maior escala pode reduzir a produtividade.

Resumen Las hormigas presentes en los cafetales podrían estar ejerciendo un control natural de la broca del café (BDC), como es el caso de Hypothenemus hampei al depredar a las poblaciones de esta plaga, que quedan en frutos abandonados al final de cada cosecha. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la capacidad depredadora de dos especies de hormigas (Solenopis picea y Crematogaster crinosa) sobre la broca del café con un atrayente en experimentos de campo. Para cada especie, se establecieron diez unidades experimentales (UE) con diez granos de café infestados con broca. Los granos infestados fueron colocados dentro de una malla de anjeo y colgados en árboles de café con un nido de hormigas. Para atraer las hormigas hacia los granos brocados estos fueron asperjados con una solución atrayente. Como testigo absoluto se usaron los mismos tratamientos con exclusión de hormigas y como testigo relativo granos brocados sin atrayente. La tasa de depredación de S. picea después de 24 h fue de 78,3%, seguida por C. crinosa con 34,3%. El cebo atrayente incrementó en un 22% la atracción de hormigas y depredación de estados biológicos de broca en cada UE, frente al tratamiento no asperjado. Los resultados muestran que las especies de hormigas evaluadas redujeron las poblaciones residuales de H. hampei; S. picea más que C. crinosa.

Abstract The ants present in coffee plantations could be exerting a natural control of the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei by preying on the populations of this pest, in fruits abandoned at the end of each harvest. The objective of this research was to evaluate the predatory capacity of two species of ants (Solenopis picea and Crematogaster crinosa) on the CBB with an attractant in field experiments. For each species, ten Experimental Units (EU) containing ten coffee beans infested with CBB were established. The infested grains were placed inside a plastic mesh and hung in trees with that had an ant nest. To attract the ants to the coffee berries, the berries were sprayed with an attractant solution. The same treatments were used with exclusion of ants as absolute control and infested berries without attractant as relative control. The predation rate of S. picea after 24 h was 78.3%, followed by C. crinosa with 34.3%. The attractant bait increased an average of 22% the attraction of ants and predation of biological stages of CBB in each EU, compared to the non-sprayed treatment. The results show that the evaluated ant species reduced the residual populations of H. hampei; S. picea more than C. crinosa.

ABSTRACT Acrostichum danaeifolium, a Neotropical fern, occurs preferentially in marshy areas or at the margins of lakes and mangroves. Microlepidoptera larvae burrow through the petioles of the fern, preferentially on the non-expanded leaves. The galleries in the petiole create a new microhabitat, harboring a rich fauna of arthropods. The aim of the present study was to assess the richness of ants associated with its petiole. The study was conducted in a population of A. danaefolium from the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil. Six collections were carried out every two months (2009-2010), three in the dry and three in the rainy season. The leaves were divided into three development stages: non-expanded leaves (NEL), expanded leaves (EL) and senescent leaves (SL). Seven leaves from each phase were randomly collected from seven individuals. A total of fifteen ant species were recorded. The species with the highest frequency and density in fern petioles were Camponotus crassus and Crematogaster curvispinosa. The highest ant richness and abundance was found in senescent leaves. The high number of ants found in the petioles of Acrostichum danaefolium qualifies it as a potential key species in the marshes and flooded areas where it occurs.

Resumen Las hormigas pueden ejercer biocontrol del cultivo de café, pero este servicio puede declinar en plantaciones manejadas intensivamente debido a que se pierden recursos de nidificación. Considerando cómo incrementar las hormigas, estudiamos si estas anidan en diferentes tipos de sustratos artificiales adheridos sobre arbustos de café tanto en cafetales de sombra como de sol. Se realizaron tres exámenes independientes en cafetales del suroccidente colombiano para responder: 1) ¿Anidan las hormigas en sustratos artificiales hechos de materiales reciclables? 2) ¿El tipo de sustrato (material y configuración) y el tipo de manejo del cafetal (sombra vs. sol) afectan la colonización, riqueza e identidad de hormigas? 3) ¿Afecta el tiempo las tasas de colonización de sustratos artificiales? Cada experimento comparó diferentes materiales y diseños, tanto en cafetales de sombra como de sol. Las hormigas anidaron más en uno de los sustratos ofrecidos y hubo mayor nidificación en cafetales de sombra. Ocho especies anidaron en los sustratos artificiales, la mayoría generalistas arbóreas. Un mayor número de especies de hormigas colonizó sustratos en cafetales de sombra, aunque no fue estadísticamente significativo. Nesomyrmex asper y Crematogaster spp. siempre se encontraron anidando en ambos tipos de plantación. La evidencia soporta que se puede ofrecer sustratos artificiales favorece la anidación por hormigas arbóreas en plantaciones de café.

Resumo As formigas podem exercer controle biológico no cultivo do café, porém essa função pode reduzir em plantações manejadas intensivamente, já que os recursos de aninhamento são perdidos. Considerando o aumento das formigas, foi estudado se o aninhamento se dá em diferentes tipos de substratos artificiais aderidos sobre arbustos de café tanto em cafezais sombreados quanto ensolarados. Foram realizadas três provas independentes em cafezais do sul ocidental colombiano para responder: 1) As formigas se aninham em substratos artificiais feitos de materiais recicláveis? 2) O tipo de substrato (material e configuração) e o tipo de manejo do cafezal (sombra vs. sol) afetam a colonização, riqueza e identidade das formigas? 3) O tempo afeta as taxas de colonização de substratos artificiais? Cada experimento comparou diferentes materiais e desenhos, tanto em cafezais sombreados quanto ensolarados. As formigas se aninharam mais em um dos substratos oferecidos e houve maior aninhamento em cafezais sombreados. Oito espécies aninharam-se nos substratos artificiais, a maioria generalistas arbóreas. Um maior número de espécies de formigas colonizou substratos em cafezais sombreados, ainda que não tenha sido estatisticamente significativo. Nesomyrmex asper e Crematogaster spp. sempre foram encontrados se aninhando em ambos os tipos de plantação. A evidência propõe que é possível oferecer substratos artificiais para favorecer o aninhamento de formigas arbóreas em plantações de café.

Abstract Ants can provide pest biocontrol for coffee crops; however, this ecosystem service may decline in intensively managed plantations due to the loss of nesting resources. Considering how to increase the number of ants, we studied if they nest in different types of artificial substrates attached to coffee bushes both in shade-grown and sun-grown coffee plantations. Three independent tests were conducted at some coffee plantations in southwestern Colombia with the purpose of answering the following questions: 1) Do ants nest in artificial substrates made from recyclable materials? 2) Do the types of substrate (materials and configuration) and coffee management (shade-grown vs. sun-grown coffee) affect colonization rates, richness, and identity of colonizing ants? 3) Does time affect substrate colonization rates? Each experiment independently compared different substrate materials and designs, in both shade and sun-grown coffee. Results showed preference of one of the substrates offered and higher nesting rates in shade-grown plantations. Eight ant species were found nesting in artificial substrates, most of them being arboreal generalists. A higher number of ant species colonized substrates in shade-grown plantations; however, the effect was not statistically significant. Nesomyrmex asper and Crematogaster spp. were always found nesting in both types of plantation. There was a trend to increase nesting activity with time in shade-grown coffee but not in sun-grown coffee. Evidence supports that offering artificial substrates enhances arboreal ant nesting in coffee plantations.

Abstract Galls are neoformed plant structures created by cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy induced by a number of organisms, especially insects. After adult insects hatch, senescent galls may remain on the host plant and be occupied by a succession of fauna, the most important and dominant being ants. This study aimed at characterizing the ant fauna successor of stem galls induced by microlepidoptera in Microgramma squamulosa (Kaulf.) de la Sota (Polypodiaceae). Four collections were carried out in the municipality of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The galls were packed in plastic bags and taken to the laboratory. Ants were euthanized and conserved in 70° GL alcohol and later identified. A total of 49 stem galls were collected and analyzed, 15 containing microlepidoptera galler larvae, one a parasitoid wasp and 33 without the microlepidoptera or parasitoid (67%). Twelve of these galls (39%) contained ants. Six ant species were recorded (Camponotus crassus, Crematogaster curvispinosa, Crematogaster sericea, Procryptocerus sampaioi, Tapinoma atriceps, and Wasmannia auropunctata), all native to Brazil. Ant occupation in M. squamulosa seems to be associated with senescent galls due to hatching of the galler insect, which leaves a hole that allows ants to colonize it, in other words, an opportunistic domatia. Senescent galls resulting from the death of galler insects do not seem to facilitate ant occupation.

La presente investigación se realizó con el propósito de determinar la presencia de diferentes especies de hormigas en colmenas de Apis mellifera L., y describir la actividad observada mediante el relevamiento de apiarios ubicados en diversas localidades de Valles templados de la provincia de Jujuy. Se colectaron manualmente entre 10-20 individuos aproximadamente de diferentes especies de hormigas en estado adulto e inmaduro presentes en techos y entretapas de colmenas de abejas melíferas, como también de hormigueros ubicados en cercanías. Se conservaron en alcohol al 70%. La colecta se realizó en época seca y época húmeda. La identificación taxonómica se realizó mediante claves establecidas. Las hormigas identificadas fueron Camponotus substitutus, Camponotus mus, Acromyrmex hispidus, Linepithema humile, Crematogaster spp. (Subgénero Orthocrema) y Solenopsis spp. Cinco de estas especies no mostraron ser perjudiciales para las abejas, mientras que en colmenas moribundas por falta de alimento o reinas viejas se observó la intrusión de Solenopsis sp. Se puede concluir que las especies de hormigas identificadas no generaron daños económicos a los apicultores de estas colmenas. El presente trabajo podría ser el punto de partida para estudios relativos al manejo y control de hormigas presentes en colmenas de Apis mellifera L. Se debe continuar con el registro y estudio de estos himenópteros en otras áreas apícolas.

The present investigation was carried out with the purpose of determining the presence of different species of ants in hives of Apis mellifera L., and to describe the activity observed by means of the survey of apiaries located in different localities of temperate valleys of the province of Jujuy. Manually collected between 10-20 individuals of different species of ants in adult and immature state present in ceilings and interstates of honey bee hives, as well as anthills located in the vicinity. They were stored in 70% alcohol. The collection was carried out during the dry season and the wet season. The taxonomic identification was carried out using appropriate codes. The identified ants were Camponotus substitutus, Camponotus mus, Acromyrmex hispidus, Linepithema humile, Crematogaster spp. (Subgenus Orthocrema) and Solenopsis spp. Five of these species did not appear to be harmful to bees, whereas in Sole colonies due to lack of food or old queens the intrusion of Solenopsis sp. It can be concluded that the ant species identified did not generate economic damage to the beekeepers of these hives. This work could be the starting point for studies related to the management and control of ants present in hives of Apis mellifera L. It should continue with the registration and study of these hymenoptera in other apicultural areas.

Abstract The state of Mato Grosso is the 3rd largest Brazilian state, is covered with three major Brazilian biomes, including the Pantanal, Cerrado, and Amazonia. To date, 449 ant species are recorded in literature for the state. In the present work, we documented the ants sampled along a fragmented landscape, in the municipality of Juara, in the Cerrado-Amazon transition zone in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The ant species were captured with Pitfall traps installed in 20 trails with 10 traps in each (totaling 200). Our results show 151 species, belonging to 43 genera and eight subfamilies, of which 28 species were recorded for the first time in the state and five species recorded for the first time in Brazil. Most genera collected were Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (45 species) followed by Crematogaster Lund, 1831 (11 species). By highlighting species recorded for the first time in state of Mato Grosso and Brazil, we hope to encourage new discoveries and increase the general knowledge of the ant fauna of different biomes in the region.

Stenoma cecropia infesta las nuevas siembras del híbrido interespecífico (Elaeis oleifera x E. guineensis) de palma de aceite en la zona de Tumaco (Nariño). Sus infestaciones afectan grandes extensiones de palma y causan defoliaciones de importancia económica. Por tal motivo, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los factores bióticos y abióticos que afectan las poblaciones de la plaga a través de muestreos secuenciales quincenales, siguiendo un sistema móvil de desplazamiento 2 x 2, que consistió en realizar un muestreo cada dos palmas y cada dos líneas, en una hectárea de palma de aceite, contabilizando el número de individuos vivos y muertos de S. cecropia presentes en la hoja 17 y 25 de cada palma evaluada. Los resultados indican que S. cecropia es atacada por una diversidad de depredadores, parasitoides y entomopatógenos. Entre los primeros se encuentran las arañas (Araneae), chinches (Reduviidae), avispas (Vespidae) y hormigas (Formicidae), destacándose el género Crematogaster. Se encontró que Brachymeria sp. y Rhysipolis sp., fueron los parasitoides más frecuentes. Estas especies requieren del néctar de plantas como: Melanthera aspera, Solanum quitoense, Emilia sonchifolia, Lantana camara, Cassia reticulata, Stachytarphetacayennensis y Urena lobata, para su alimentación. También se colectaron larvas de S. cecropia infectadas por el hongoIsaria sp. Al estimar el efecto de estos controladores biológicos sobre las poblaciones de S. cecropia, se encontró que la depredación de la hormiga Crematogaster sp., sobre larvas de S. cecropia fue de 42,0 %. El parasitismo causado porBrachymeria sp., a las pupas fue de 16,8 %, la mortalidad causada por Rhysipolis sp., sobre el estado larval fue de 3,5 % y el efecto de Isaria sp., fue de 1,5 %. Se concluye que estos controladores biológicos son importantes en la regulación de las poblaciones de S. cecropia en el cultivo de la palma de aceite en Colombia.

Stenoma cecropia infests new plantations of hybrid oil palm (Elaeis oleifera x E. guineensis) in Tumaco (Nariño). These infestations are causing defoliation of economic importance to the oil palm. For this reason, the aim of this study was to determine the biotic and abiotic factors affecting populations through fortnightly sequential sampling, following a 2 x 2 moving displacement system, which sampled every two palms and every other line in a one hectare oil palm plantation, counting the number of live and dead individuals present in the 17th and 25th S. cecropia leaves of each palm evaluated. Results indicate that S. cecropia is attacked by a variety of predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens. Among the former are the spiders (Araneae), bugs (Reduviidae), wasps (Vespidae), and ants (Formicidae), with Crematogaster being the most important. Among the parasitoids, Brachymeria sp. and Rhysipolis sp. were most abundant. These species require the nectar of plants such as Melanthera aspera, Solanum quitoense, Emilia sonchifolia, Lantana camera, Cassia reticulata, Stachytarpheta cayennensis and Urena lobata, for food until the adult stage. An entomopathogenic fungus was also detected infecting the larval stage and was identified as Isaria sp. Crematogaster sp. predation on larval stages of S. cecropia was estimated to be 42 %. Parasitism by Brachymeria sp. in pupal stages was 16.8 %, mortality caused by Rhysipolis sp. on larval stages was 3.5 % and mortality by Isaria sp. was 1.5 %. It is concluded that these biological control agents are important in the regulation of S. cecropia populations in oil palm plantations in Colombia.

En dos fincas cafeteras localizadas en la vereda Villanueva, municipio de Popayán; Colombia, se identificó la comunidad de hormigas presentes en los nectarios extraflorales de árboles de guamo (Inga edulis e I. densiflora) utilizados como sombra en cafetales, y sobre la hojarasca del suelo. Las recolecciones se realizaron con cebos, extracción de hojarasca con sacos mini-Winkler y captura manual. Se encontraron 43 especies, distribuidas en 17 géneros y siete subfamilias. Los resultados mostraron que las especies de hormigas que habitan en los árboles son diferentes a las que habitan en la hojarasca, pero gracias a sus hábitos forrajeros algunas especies se desplazan de un estrato al otro. Se concluye que los árboles de sombrío como el guamo son importantes tanto para el mantenimiento de las interacciones mutualistas hormiga-planta, como para la conservación de la diversidad; además, la presencia de árboles puede contribuir indirectamente a la prestación de servicios ecosistémicos fitosanitarios, ya que algunas especies de hormigas de los géneros Crematogaster y Camponotus pueden servir como potenciales agentes de control biológico para insectos plaga

The ant communities in the extrafloral nectaries of shade Inga edulis e I. densiflora (‘guamo’) trees and in the leaf litter of two coffee farms at Villanueva village, Popayán municipality, were identified. Bait collection, extraction of leaf litter by means of mini-Winkler and direct manual capture were carried out. A total of 43 ant species, distributed in 17 genera and seven subfamilies was found. Results show that ant species that inhabit trees are different from ant species than leaf litter dwelling ants. However, thanks to their foraging habits, some ant species may pass from one to the other stratum. It is concluded that shade trees, such as guamo trees, are important both to maintain mutualistic ant-plant interactions and to promote diversity conservation. Additionally, the presence of shade trees may indirectly contribute to provide phytosanitary ecosystem services given that some ant species, such as Crematogaster and Camponotus, might serve as potential biological control agents for pest insects

Many studies that evaluate rehabilitation make use of invertebrate bioindicators. Invertebrates, especially ants, make useful indicators as they are sensitive to environmental change. We compared ant assemblages in rehabilitated and control sites in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a protected area important for grassland conservation in South Africa. Pitfall traps were used to sample ant assemblages at six control sites and six rehabilitated sites. In addition, environmental and vegetation surveys were conducted at each site. We found that the ant assemblages differed significantly between the control and rehabilitated sites, although there was considerable overlap; the control sites supported a greater species density and higher abundance of ants than the rehabilitated sites. In total, 36 ant species were collected (control sites: 34 species; rehabilitated sites: 26 species). The environmental survey revealed that percentages of bare ground and coarse sand, as well as soil pH, differed significantly between the control and rehabilitated sites. The control and rehabilitated sites also supported significantly different plant assemblages. Three indicator ant species were identified for the control sites:Crematogaster rectinota, Crematogaster amita and Monomorium fastidium. No indicator species were identified for the rehabilitated sites. These results suggest that recovery from the previous agricultural use of the area is still incomplete and highlights the lack of research examining the success of rehabilitation in the grassland biome. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: The present study illustrates the need for further research on rehabilitation techniques utilised in the grassland biome. This is of value as the remainder of South African grasslands are considered critically endangered.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), un árbol símbolo de el Cerrado, tiene una amplia distribución y puede alcanzar los 10 m de altura y 6 m de ancho de copa. El objetivo fue estudiar la distribución de insectos chupadores (Hemiptera) y sus enemigos naturales en la copa de C. brasiliense en El Cerrado brasileño. La agrupación de las especies encontrada en la copa de los árboles de C. brasiliense mostró 1 y 3 especies raras, 9 y 7 especies comunes y 1 y 4 especies constantes para los insectos chupadores y sus enemigos naturales, respectivamente. La diversidad, el número de individuos y la riqueza de especies de Hemiptera y sus enemigos naturales fueron similares en todas las ramas del árbol huésped, según el muestreo en los puntos cardinales. Los depredadores Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) y Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) fueron más abundante en la ramas orientadas hacia el este y el norte, respectivamente. Crematogaster sp. fue dominante en los árboles de C. brasiliense con predominio de Dikrella caryocar n. sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) y Pseudoccocus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Los depredadores Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) y Chrysoperla spp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fueron mayores y disminuyeron el número de D. caryocar n. sp. y Aphis gossypii (Aphididae), respectivamente. El incremento de insectos chupadores aumentó la presencia de los enemigos naturales y la distribución diferencial de éstos influyó negativamente en los insectos chupadores. Se concluye que la velocidad y dirección de los vientos pueden afectar la distribución de insectos chupadores en la copa de los árboles de C. brasiliense, encontrándose las poblaciones más numerosas en la zona que no es afectada por el viento.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), a tree characteristic of e Cerrado, is widely distributed and can reach a height of 10 meters with a six-meter-wide canopy. The objective of this study was to study the distribution of sucking insects (Hemiptera) and their natural enemies in the canopies of C. brasiliense trees in the Brazilian Cerrado. One rare, nine common, and one constant species of sucking insects and three rare, seven common, and four constant species of natural enemies were observed on C. brasiliense trees. The diversity, number of individuals, and species of Hemiptera and their natural enemies were similar in all four cardinal directions of branches of host trees. Abundance of the natural predators Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) was highest on leaves of the east and north sides of the C. brasiliense trees, respectively. A large number of Crematogaster sp. was observed on C. brasiliense, with a predominance of Dikrella caryocar n. sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Pseudoccocus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) also being observed. The predators Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) and Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) showed the highest numbers, while the number of D. caryocar n. sp. and Aphis gossypii (Aphididae) decreased, respectively, in comparison to the control. An increase in the number of sucking insects also increased the number of their natural enemies, and this differential distribution negatively influenced sucking insects. The speed and direction of wind may have affected the distribution of sucking insects on different sides of C. brasiliense trees, as higher populations were found on the sides without prevailing winds.

Ant's diversity associated to an agroforestry Chamaedora radicalis Mart., palm culture has not been studied in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve's Tropical Forest. Ants were collected from the palm fronds, using an entomological net the following species during two seasons: Odontomachus laticeps, Crematogaster cerasi, Camponotus atriceps, Temnothorax texanus, Tapinoma sp., y Pheidole arctos, weth season. Wasmannia auropuntata, Camponotus atriceps, Monomorium floricola, Pheidole arctos y Solenopsis geminate, dry season. Species previously recorded by other authors for RBEC are compared. Overall genera found are agro ecosystem colonizers, their food habits are foraging, hunters, nectar collectors, seed, and dead animal debris. Organism knowledge associated to camedor palm and its environment will allow establishing an integrated pest management for this important bioresource sustainability.

La diversidad de hormigas asociadas al cultivo de la palmilla o palma "camedor" Chamaedorea radicalis Mart., bajo un sistema agroforestal, ha sido estudiado en el bosque tropical de la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo (RBEC). Se colectaron en las frondas mediante red entomológica de golpeo, las siguientes especies en dos épocas estacionales: Odontomachus laticeps, Crematogaster cerasi, Camponotus atriceps, Temnothorax texanus, Tapinoma sp., y Pheidole arctos en época lluviosa. Wasmannia auropuntata, Camponotus atriceps, Monomorium floricola, Pheidole arctos y Solenopsis geminata en época seca. Se comparan las especies reportadas por otros autores en la RBEC. En conjunto los géneros encontrados son colonizadores de agroecosistemas, con hábitos forrajeadores, cazadoras, recolectoras de néctar, semillas y restos de animales muertos. El conocimiento de los organismos asociados a la palma camedor y su ambiente, permitirá establecer un manejo integrado de plagas para la sustentabilidad de este importante biorrecurso.

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito do fogo sobre a fauna de formigas associada à Pinus elliottii Engelm. O estudo foi desenvolvido no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, numa área experimental junto ao Campus da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), em um plantio de um hectare de Pinus elliottii com 28 anos de idade e espaçamento de 2 m x 2 m, no qual ocorreu um incêndio ao final de novembro de 2008. Um mês após, iniciou-se uma amostragem da fauna de formigas, concluída em novembro de 2009. Utilizou-se o método de interceptação de insetos perambulantes através do uso de armadilhas de solo sem atrativo, distribuídas no centro do povoamento, sendo dispostas 10 armadilhas em transecto linear simples, em intervalos de 10 metros permanecendo enterradas por 48 horas. Ao final deste período, o material biológico foi acondicionado em potes plásticos e encaminhado ao laboratório para triagem, onde as formigas foram separadas em morfoespécies e prosseguiram para identificação. A partir dos levantamentos foram encontradas 25 espécies de formigas distribuídas em onze gêneros, oito tribos e quatro subfamílias. Destas, as que apresentaram maiores frequências de ocorrência em suas respectivas subfamílias foram Pseudomyrmex termitarius (46,7%), Acromyrmex crassispinus e Pachycondyla striata (ambas com 35,8%), e Camponotus blandus (25,0%). O fogo é um agente de distúrbio ambiental por vezes significativo, causando efeitos positivos e negativos sobre a fauna edáfica. Sua ação pode ter gerado efeito indireto negativo sobre Crematogaster victima e positivo sobre Pseudomyrmex termitarius, Acromyrmex crassispinus, Pachycondyla striata e Camponotus blandus presentes no sub-bosque de Pinus elliottii, pós-incêndio.

This work aimed at assessing the effect of fire over an ant fauna associated to Pinus elliottii Engelm. The study was developed in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, in an experimental area next to the Campus of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), in a 28-year-old plantation of an hectare of Pinus elliottii, spacing 2m x 2m, on which a fire happened in the end of November, 2008. One month later, an ant fauna sampling was initiated, being concluded in November, 2009. The method of interception of wandering insects has been used through soil traps without attraction, distributed in the center of the population, being prepared 10 traps in simple linear transection, in intervals of 10 meters that remained buried for 48 hours. After such period, the biological material was packed in plastic pots, transported to the laboratory for a triage, where the ants were separated into morphospecies and proceeded to identification. From the surveys, 25 ant species were found, distributed in eleven genera, eight tribes and four subfamilies. From these, the ones who presented the biggest occurrence frequencies in their respective subfamilies were Pseudomyrmex termitarius (46,7%), Acromyrmex crassispinus, and Pachycondyla striata (both with 35,8%), and Camponotus blandus (25,0%). Fire is an agent of environmental disturbance many times significant, causing positive and negative effects over the edaphic fauna. Its action might have caused a negative indirect effect over Crematogaster victima and positive over Pseudomyrmex termitarius, Acromyrmex crassispinus, Pachycondyla striata and Camponotus blandus present in the understory of Pinus elliottii, after the fire.

O ecossistema ribeirinho do Cerrado brasileiro, é conhecido como “vereda”, e é formado em solos arenosos com altas concentrações de turfa, além de serem responsáveis pela recarga dos reservatórios dos aquíferos. Atualmente, as veredas estão sob ameaça de várias atividades humanas, especialmente a supressão da vegetação para plantio de Eucalyptus. Apesar de sua importância ecológica e elevado valor na conservação, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos das perturbações humanas sobre a comunidade de animais. Para avaliar como que habitats em diferentes veredas e as plantações circundantes afetam a assembleia de formigas, foram selecionadas quatro “veredas” independentes, sendo duas impactadas pela monocultura de eucalipto (uma jovem e uma madura) e duas controles com a planície de inundação circundada por vegetação de cerrado. A coleta das formigas foi realizada em Maio de 2010 (estação seca) por meio de três métodos complementares, iscas atrativas, armadilhas de pitfall e coleta direta, no habitat de planície alagada, e na área circundante. Foi amostrado um total de 7.575 formigas, pertencentes a sete subfamílias, 32 gêneros e 124 espécies. A riqueza e abundância de formigas não diferiram entre as localidades “veredas”, mas sim entre os habitats. Quando impactados pela monocultura, a abundância e a riqueza diminuem nas planícies de inundação, mas os habitats de cerrado foram menos afetados. As plantações de eucalipto têm sua composição de espécies de formigas definida pela alta dominância de Pheidole sp. e Solenopsis invicta, enquanto os habitats naturais foram definidos por espécies de Camponotus e Crematogaster. Atta sexdens foi estritamente relacionada à habitats nativos de “veredas” preservadas. A monocultura de eucalipto requer grandes quantidades de água nos estágios iniciais, o que pode ter provocado a queda no nível do lençol freático nas planícies alagadas, permitindo a colonização deste habitat por espécies de formigas de hábitos hipógeos, como Labidus praedator.

Wetland areas in the Brazilian Cerrado, known as “veredas”, represent ecosystems formed on sandy soils with high concentrations of peat, and are responsible for the recharge of aquiferous reservoirs. They are currently under threat by various human activities, most notably the clearing of vegetation for Eucalyptus plantations. Despite their ecological importance and high conservation value, little is known about the actual effects of human disturbance on the animal community. To assess how habitat within different veredas, and plantations surrounding them affect ant assemblages, we selected four independent vereda locations, two being impacted by Eucalyptus monoculture (one younger and one mature plantation) and two controls, where the wetland was surrounded by cerrado vegetation. Ant sampling was conducted in May 2010 (dry season) using three complementary methods, namely baits, pitfall traps, and hand collection, in the wetland and in the surrounding habitats. A total of 7,575 ants were sampled, belonging to seven subfamilies, 32 genera and 124 species. Ant species richness and abundance did not differ between vereda locations, but did between the habitats. When impacted by the monoculture, ant species richness and abundance decreased in wetlands, but were less affected in the cerrado habitat. Ant species composition differed between the three habitats and between vereda locations. Eucalyptus plantations had an ant species composition defined by high dominance of Pheidole sp. and Solenopsis invicta, while natural habitats were defined by Camponotus and Crematogaster species. Atta sexdens was strictly confined to native habitats of non-impacted “veredas”. Eucalyptus monocultures require high quantities of water in the early stages, which may have caused a decrease in groundwater level in the wetland, allowing hypogeic ants such as Labidus praedator to colonise this habitat.

Este trabajo se enfocó en el conocimiento de la mirmecofauna arbórea de Gorgona, ecosistema insular de la zona de vida de bosque lluvioso tropical (27ºC, 6 000mm de precipitación promedio anual). En noviembre de 2007 se muestrearon 16 árboles mediante la técnica de nebulización usando un insecticida piretroide biodegradable, aplicado en dirección al dosel, desde cuatro alturas diferentes, entre 1 y 15m por encima de la vegetación del sotobosque. Se encontraron 53 especies de Formicidae pertenecientes a 24 géneros y seis subfamilias, sobresaliendo por su riqueza las Formicinae (20 especies) y Myrmicinae (17). Por su abundancia, se destacaron especies arbóreas de los géneros Azteca, Dolichoderus (D. bispinosus y D. lutosus), Camponotus (C. atriceps, C. claviscapus, C. championi, C. excisus) y Crematogaster (C. brasiliensis, C. carinata, C. curvispinosa). Algunas especies que son muy comunes a nivel del suelo (Wasmannia auropunctata y Camponotus sericeiventris), fueron colectadas a más de 15m de altura. Se resalta la captura de Nesomyrmex pittieri, Crematogaster stolli, Cephalotes basalis, Anochetus bispinosus y Stigmatomma mystriops que usualmente no se detectan en muestreos comunes.

Arboreal ants of Gorgona National Park (Pacific of Colombia). Despite the strong microclimatic fluctuations, scarcity of nesting sites and unpredictable prey availability in open environments, ants are the dominant invertebrates in the tropical forest canopy. This study focused on the arboreal ants in Gorgona National Park, Colombia, a rainforest ecosystem (27ºC, 6 000mm average annual rainfall). In November 2007, 16 trees were sampled by fogging them with a biodegradable pyrethroid insecticide in four levels between 1 and 15 m above the understory vegetation. We found 53 species of Formicidae (24 genera and six subfamilies): two subfamilies had the most species: Formicinae (20 species) and Myrmicinae (17). The most abundant were arboreal species of Azteca, Dolichoderus (D. bispinosus and D. lutosus), Camponotus (C. atriceps, C. claviscapus, C. championi, C. excisus) and Crematogaster (C. brasiliensis, C. carinata, C. curvispinosa). Some species that are common at ground level (Wasmannia auropunctata and Camponotus sericeiventris) were collected up to a height of 15 m. We remark the capture of Nesomyrmex pittieri, Crematogaster stolli, Cephalotes basalis, Anochetus bispinosus and Stigmatomma mystriops, species rarely found using conventional methods. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 277-287. Epub 2014 February 01.