Resurgence and Persistence of <I>Dorymyrmex flavus</I> After Reduction of <I>Solenopsis invicta</I> Buren with a Broadcast Bait

Abstract

The effects of bait treatment(s) on population dynamics of Solenopsis invicta and Dorymyrmex flavus were studied, and various factors underlying the resurgence and persistence of D. flavus to reinvasion by S. invicta were studied in more detail. Pitfall traps, bait vials, transect sampling, and direct inspections were used to monitor densities of these two species, and inspections of D. flavus midden contents, video monitoring of D. flavus colonies, and studies of the fate of marked S. invicta were used to further clarify interactions of these two species, D. flavus abundance increased after the reduction of S. invicta with baits. D. flavus was also observed to sustain higher densities for an extended period (2 yr) after cessation of bait treatment and to exhibit antagonistic behaviors toward S. invicta, showing an ability to resist reinvasion of the treated area by S. invicta. Given these findings, D. flavus may retard domination of the ant assemblage by S. invicta. Additional studies are justified regarding how to enhance the role of this species in affected ecosystems.

Diversity of ant assemblages (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in an urban environment in Cameroon during and after colonization of the area by Wasmannia auropunctata

“…In areas invaded by this species not only have a reduced species richness but also disassembled communities (Mack et al, 2000;Sanders et al, 2003). However, the abundance of many invasive species may vary substantially over time and recovery or resurgence of native ant communities is possible after they decline in abundance or disappear (Torres & Snelling, 1997;Morrison, 2002;Wetterer et al, 2006;Calixto et al, 2007).…”

“…Although invasive ants may initially exterminate native ants, ant communities have recovered in environments previously invaded by Solenopsis invicta (Morrison, 2002;Calixto et al, 2007), Pheidole megacephala (Torres & Snelling, 1997) and Linepithema humile (Wetterer et al, 2006;Cooling et al, 2012). However, with regard to W. auropunctata, little is known about the ant assemblages in areas several years after they were colonized by this ant.…”

Integrated pest management concepts for red imported fire ants Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

“…In some studies, removal of at least 80% fire ants from the system was followed by nearly 25% increase in abundance of resident ants. This increase reduced the reinvasion and establishment of new queens and colonies by 10% via competition and predation (Calixto, ; Calixto et al ., ,b).…”