The status of the fungi-grower ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Puerto Rico and adjacent islands

J.A. Torres

Treesearch

The status of the fungi-grower ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Puerto Rico and adjacent islands

Formally Refereed

Authors:

J.A. Torres

Year:

1989

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

International Institute of Tropical Forestry

Source:

Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. 73(4):401-403

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Abstract

Ants of the tribe Attini (fungus grower) collect different organic materials that are used to grow a fungus. It was thought that the fungus mycelium was the only source of nutrition for these ants, but Quinlan and Cherrett found that Atta cephalotes (L.) squeezes oils from fresh leaves and uses them as food. These oils supplement the fungus material eaten by this species. Members of the genus Atta are considered pests in some agricultural crops, pasture land, and forest seedling plantations. There are no Atta ants in Puerto Rico and adjacent islands, but four species of the attine tribe have been reported. Here I duscuss the present distribution, abundance, and ecology of these species.

Keywords

Atta, fungus grower, species distribution

Citation

Torres, J.A. 1989. The status of the fungi-grower ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Puerto Rico and adjacent islands. Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. 73(4):401-403.