Divide and conquer: Multicolonial structure, nestmate recognition, and antagonistic behaviors in dense populations of the invasive ant Brachymyrmex patagonicus

Abstract

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Assessing colony elimination in multicolonial ants: Estimating field efficacy of insecticidal baits against the invasive dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus)

“…When baiting for supercolonial species, the number of bait stations required to achieve significant control can be directly proportional to the density of foraging ants, 14 although this can vary depending on foraging strategy and nest density 60,61 . The introduced population of B. patagonicus contrasts with these commonly treated ant species, 56,58,62 as it maintains colony boundaries 46 . Consequently, a high number of distinct colonies can infest a single structure.…”

“…60,61 The introduced population of B. patagonicus contrasts with these commonly treated ant species, 56,58,62 as it maintains colony boundaries. 46 Consequently, a high number of distinct colonies can infest a single structure. In this case, it appears that the number of bait stations required for higher rates of control is proportional to the colony density rather than overall forager activity.…”

“…[63][64][65][66] For these species, the assessment of colony density could therefore be useful in determining the overall success of a treatment. 67 In B. patagonicus, most colonies forage using a single trail 46 ; however, other multicolonial ant species are likely to exhibit different foraging strategies and different colony densities. These factors would affect the overall efficacy of a treatment.…”

“…Most colonies of B. patagonicus occupy a single nest and are predominantly headed by a single queen 38 . Colonies maintain strong nest‐mate recognition and strict colony boundaries, with as many as 24 colonies coexisting at a single structure 46 . Pest management professionals commonly report reinfestations when treating structures for dark rover ants 47 .…”

“…38 Colonies maintain strong nest-mate recognition and strict colony boundaries, with as many as 24 colonies coexisting at a single structure. 46 Pest management professionals commonly report reinfestations when treating structures for dark rover ants. 47 The high density of colonies of B. patagonicus, together with their multicolonial structure, calls into question how treatments impact colony densities around residential structures.…”