Community Mulch Piles May Contribute to Dispersal of Brachyponera chinensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)1

Abstract

It is well documented that human-mediated dispersal of nonnative species plays a large role in the success of invasion (Liebhold and Tobin 2008, Annu. Rev. Entomol. 53: 387-408; McClure 1990, Environ. Entomol. 19(1): 36-43; Suarez et al. 2001, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 98(3): 1095-1100). Nonnative invasive insects, particularly ants, are found across many terrestrial ecosystems worldwide (Bradshaw et al. 2016, Nat. Commun. 7: 12986). Aspects of their biology, colony and nest structure, diet, habitat preferences, and the ease of dispersal make invasive ants challenging pests (Holway et al. 2002, Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 33: 181-233), and they often prove difficult to manage once established (Morrison et al. 2004, Biol. Invasions 6: 183– 191). As climate conditions continue to change, predictions show that many problematic ant species may be capable of global range expansion into novel habitats (Bertlesmeire et al. 2013, PLoS ONE 8(10): e75438). With the costs and logistical hurdles of early detection, quarantine, and eradication (Martinez et al. 2019, Biol. Invasions 22: 75-100), there are mounting pressures to prevent additional introductions of invasive ants. Some invasive ant species threaten human and pet health with stings and severe reactions, and there are additional concerns over economic losses in agricultural industries (Lard et al. 2002, Southw. Entomol. Suppl. 25: 123-137; Lard et al. 2006, An Economic Impact of Imported Fire Ants in the United States of America, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX). Furthermore, invasive ant species may cause ecological damage by negatively affecting native ant species (Holway et al. 2002; Porter and Savignano 1990, Ecology 71(6): 2095-2106), native insect–plant interactions, plant distributions, nutrient cycling (Milligan et al. 2011, J. Ecol. 110(2): 359-373), and arthropod diversity. Studies also have shown that invasive ants can be detrimental to numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species (Hooper-Bùi et al. 2004, Sociobiology 44(3): 401-418; Siddiqui et al. 2021, Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. Int. 28: 54362–54382).

Citation

Poole, Emilee M.; Horn, Scott. 2024. Community Mulch Piles May Contribute to Dispersal of Brachyponera chinensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Journal of Entomological Science. https://doi.org/10.18474/JES24-104.