Rate of Exploitation of Arboreal Baits by Ants in an Old-field Habitat in Wisconsin

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Abstract
The rate of exploitation of ground-beef baits by arboreally foraging ants in an old field in Wisconsin peaked during late May and early June, when 79% of the baits were discovered by ants in 24 h. The rate of exploitation declined to 20% in mid-Aug. and then rose to a 2nd peak of 63% at the beginning of Oct. Exploitation by most of the 13 spp. [Prenolepis imparis, Formica lasioides, F. argentea, F. schaufussi, F. nitidiventris, Formica sp., Achaenogaster occidentalis, Solenopsis molesta, Crematogaster mormonum, Leptothorax ambiguus, Camponotus americanus, Lasius neoniger and Tapinoma sessile] found at the baits was highest during midday. The hours of activity of Prenolepis imparis (Say) at the baits varied seasonally; in midsummer their greatest activity was during early morning, late afternoon and night, while in late spring and early autumn it was during late afternoon and midday, respectively. The total rate of exploitation by all ants during 2 brief seasonal peaks is of the same order of magnitude as rates previously shown in 3 tropical sites.