Ants as Important Predators of Rootworm Eggs in the Neotropics124

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Experiments conducted in Costa Rica showed that 2 species of ants, Solenopsis geminata F. and Pheidole sp., were important predators of rootworm eggs. In field experiments, the ants removed ca. 80% of the rootworm eggs over a 3-day period and removal probably would be higher during the 6 days normally required for egg hatching. As annual cropping systems gradually replace swidden agriculture in the neotropics, the ant fauna inhabiting these highly disturbed environments seems to hold special promise in controlling certain pests such as rootworms.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: