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Macali A, Ferretti S, Scozzafava S, Gatto E, Carere C. Different behavioral profiles between invasive and native nudibranchs: means for invasion success? Curr Zool 2024; 70:406-417. [PMID: 39035756 PMCID: PMC11256000 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavior is predicted to be a primary determinant of the success of the invasion process during the early phases of colonization. Comparing invaders with sympatric native species may provide a good approach to unravel behavioral traits involved in an invasion process. In this study, we carried out an experimental simulation of the introduction and the acclimatization phase into a new environment and assessed the expression of activity, alertness, and habituation in an invasive Mediterranean population of the South African nudibranch Godiva quadricolor comparing its profiles with those of the sympatric Mediterranean native nudibranchs Cratena peregrina and Caloria quatrefagesi. Individuals of these 3 species were subjected to 3 behavioral tests: spontaneous activity, carried out in the introduction phase (immediately after sampling) and after a week of acclimatization; alert test, in which a potential threat was simulated by means of a tactile stimulus, and habituation test, in which the same alert test stimulus was repeated 5 times at 30-min intervals. The invasive G. quadricolor showed higher levels of exploration activity, thigmotaxis, alertness, and sensitization than the native species. These behavioral traits may represent pivotal drivers of the ongoing invasion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Macali
- Ichthyogenic Experimental Marine Centre (CISMAR), Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01016 Borgo Le Saline, Tarquinia, Italy
| | - Sara Ferretti
- Ichthyogenic Experimental Marine Centre (CISMAR), Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01016 Borgo Le Saline, Tarquinia, Italy
| | - Serena Scozzafava
- Ichthyogenic Experimental Marine Centre (CISMAR), Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01016 Borgo Le Saline, Tarquinia, Italy
| | - Elia Gatto
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Carere
- Ichthyogenic Experimental Marine Centre (CISMAR), Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, 01016 Borgo Le Saline, Tarquinia, Italy
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2
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Contala ML, Krapf P, Steiner FM, Schlick-Steiner BC. Foraging valor linked with aggression: selection against completely abandoning aggression in the high-elevation ant Tetramorium alpestre? INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:953-970. [PMID: 37602971 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Aggression has multiple benefits and is often coupled with other behaviors ("behavioral syndromes"). The level of aggressiveness is influenced by an adaptive benefit-cost ratio suggesting that benefits should outweigh the costs of aggression. Here, we assess if several behaviors are coupled in two behaviorally different populations (aggressive, peaceful) of the high-elevation ant Tetramorium alpestre. For three weeks, we collected colony fragments and analyzed boldness, exploring, foraging, and risk-taking behaviors. We hypothesized that the aggressive population is bolder, more explorative and risk-prone, and forages more food than the peaceful population. To test whether (a) the combination of experiments and parameters used yields a good setup, (b) populations differ behaviorally, and (c) populations display behavioral syndromes, we assessed (a) the frequency of repeatable behaviors of each experiment, (b) the behavioral means among populations, and (c) the behavioral repeatability, respectively. We found that (a) boldness and exploring were most repeatable and represent a good experimental setup, (b) the aggressive population was bolder and more explorative and risk-prone than the peaceful population, (c) boldness and exploring behaviors were highly repeatable in both populations, thus corroborating our hypothesis. The results suggest that boldness, exploring, and risk-taking but not foraging are presumably coupled with aggression and indicate the presence of behavioral syndromes in this ant. Under specific ecological conditions, aggression may be coupled with other behaviors and important for finding food. Aggression is probably adaptive in T. alpestre, possibly indicating that selection favors aggression at least partially, which may counteract the complete loss of intraspecific aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Luise Contala
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patrick Krapf
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Organismal & Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Florian M Steiner
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Zina V, Conde S, Branco M, Franco JC. Do Dominant Native Ants Outcompete the Invasive Argentine Ant in Mediterranean Citrus Ecosystems? A Laboratory Test. INSECTS 2024; 15:333. [PMID: 38786889 PMCID: PMC11122653 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) poses a significant threat to ecosystem stability worldwide. In Mediterranean citrus ecosystems, its spread may be limited by interactions with dominant native ant species. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the competitive dynamics between Argentine ants and two major native species, Tapinoma nigerrimum and Lasius grandis. At the individual level, both native species exhibited superior competitive performance, attributed to their larger body sizes and potential differences in chemical defences. At the colony level, T. nigerrimum demonstrated efficiency in interference competition, successfully defending food resources from Argentine ants. However, the Argentine ant exhibited higher recruitment capacity, albeit it was density-dependent. Our findings support the hypothesis that dominant native ants can serve as barriers against Argentine ant invasion in citrus ecosystems, highlighting the importance of interspecific competition in shaping community dynamics and invasive species management. This study underscores the potential role of native ant species in mitigating the impacts of invasive ants on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes, offering valuable insights for invasive species management strategies in Mediterranean citrus ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Zina
- Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (M.B.); (J.C.F.)
- Laboratory for Sustainable Land Use and Ecosystem Services, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Conde
- Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (M.B.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Manuela Branco
- Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (M.B.); (J.C.F.)
- Laboratory for Sustainable Land Use and Ecosystem Services, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Carlos Franco
- Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (M.B.); (J.C.F.)
- Laboratory for Sustainable Land Use and Ecosystem Services, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
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Hayasaka D, Kato K, Hiraiwa MK, Kasai H, Osaki K, Aoki R, Sawahata T. Undesirable dispersal via a river pathway of a single Argentine ant supercolony newly invading an inland urban area of Japan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21119. [PMID: 38036575 PMCID: PMC10689755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive ants pose a risk to human well-being and social/ecosystem stability. Linepithema humile Mayr is among the most damaging invasive ants worldwide. Most L. humile populations invade ports/wharfs isolated from surrounding landscapes, but unfortunately, a new population was discovered in an inland urban area (Nara Prefecture) of Japan in 2021. In this study, first, the supercolony type of the Nara L. humile population was identified via a hostility test, and then its distribution pattern was characterized. In aggression tests between L. humile from Nara and four supercolonies (haplotypes LH1, LH2, LH3, LH4), this ant showed extremely strong hostility against all supercolonies exept LH2, which was detected only in Japan in its introduced range. In Nara, L. humile was abundant in and around the urban river. Simulations revealed that using this environment for movement/dispersal increased the annual dispersal ability by 14 times compared with that achieved via ground (125 m), as mentioned in the literature. Therefore, river channels can serve as major pathways of long-distance dispersal for L. humile invading inland urban areas. Since applying chemical strategies around rivers is problematic, preventing L. humile from moving to rivers from initial invasion sites is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hayasaka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan.
| | - Kenshin Kato
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
- Fukui River and National Highway Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Hanando-minami 2-14-7, Fukui, 918-8015, Japan
| | - Masayoshi K Hiraiwa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan.
| | - Hiro Kasai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Osaki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
| | - Retsushi Aoki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
| | - Takuo Sawahata
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
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5
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Krapf P, Sedfaoui K, Contala ML, Steiner FM, Schlick-Steiner BC. Short-time development of among-colony behaviour in a high-elevation ant. Behav Processes 2023; 208:104872. [PMID: 37011703 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Standardised assays are often used to characterise aggression in animals. In ants,such assays can be applied at several organisational levels (e.g., colony, population) and at specific times during the season. However, whether the behaviour differs at these levels and changes over a few weeks remains largely unexplored. Here, six colonies from the high-elevation ant Tetramorium alpestre were collected weekly for five weeks from two behaviourally-different populations (aggressive and peaceful in intraspecific encounters). We conducted one-on-one worker encounters at the colony and population levels. When analysing the colony combinations separately, the behaviour was peaceful and remained so within the peaceful population; initial aggression became partially peaceful within the aggressive population; and initial aggression decreased occasionally and increased in one combination but remained constant for most across-population combinations. When analysing all colony combinations together, within-population behaviour remained similar, but acrosspopulation behaviour became peaceful. The observed behavioural differences among organisational levels emphasise the relevance of assessing both. Moreover, the effect of decreasing aggression is discernible already over a few weeks. Compression of the vegetation period at high elevations may compress such behavioural changes.Addressing both organisational levels and seasonality is important, particularly in studies of behavioural complexity such as in this ant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Krapf
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Klaus Sedfaoui
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Biology, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Marie-Luise Contala
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian M Steiner
- Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Ecology, Universität Innsbruck, Austria
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Llopart JP, Alvarez-Blanco P, Moreira-Demarco L, Bang A, Angulo E, Maneyro R. Testing the Novel Weapons Hypothesis of the Argentine Ant Venom on Amphibians. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040235. [PMID: 37104173 PMCID: PMC10144969 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The globally invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) possesses a venom lethal to some amphibian species in the invaded range. To test the novel weapons hypothesis (NWH), the effects of the toxin on the cohabiting amphibian species in the ant's native range need to be investigated. The invader should benefit from the novel chemical in the invaded range, because the species are not adapted, but the venom should not be effective in the native range. We explore the venom effects on juveniles of three amphibian species with different degrees of myrmecophagy inhabiting the ant's native range: Rhinella arenarum, Odontophrynus americanus, and Boana pulchella. We exposed the amphibians to the ant venom, determined the toxic dose, and evaluated the short- (10 min to 24 h) and medium-term (14 days) effects. All amphibian species were affected by the venom independently of myrmecophagy. In addition to amphibian sensitivity, we discuss how the differential Argentine ant abundance and density in the two ranges could be the key to the susceptibility of amphibians to the venom, resulting in the possibility of NWH. Our results confirm the potential magnitude of the impact of the Argentine ant in successfully invaded areas for the conservation of already threatened amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Llopart
- Laboratorio de Sistemática e Historia Natural de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | | | - Lucía Moreira-Demarco
- Laboratorio de Sistemática e Historia Natural de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Alok Bang
- School of Arts and Sciences, Azim Premji University, Bangalore 562125, India
- Society for Ecology Evolution and Development, Wardha 442001, India
| | - Elena Angulo
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Av. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Raúl Maneyro
- Laboratorio de Sistemática e Historia Natural de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
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7
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Sanmartín-Villar I, Cruz da Silva E, Chiara V, Cordero-Rivera A, Lorenzo-Carballa MO. Genetic divergence and aggressiveness within a supercolony of the invasive ant Linepithema humile. NEOBIOTA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.77.90852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Biological invasions constitute an opportunity to study the evolutionary processes behind species’ adaptations. The invasive potential of some species, like the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), has likely been increasing because they show low intraspecific competition. However, multiple introductions over time or genetic divergence could increase the probability of intraspecific competition, constituting barriers for their dispersal and thus, decreasing invasive success. Here, we studied the genetic and behavioural variability of L. humile workers collected at six locations on the NW coast of the Iberian Peninsula, a possible scenario for multiple introductions and population divergence, due to its high level of maritime traffic and complex coastal geography. We analysed behaviours related to spatial navigation (exploration, wall-following), resources acquisition, and competition (inter and intraspecific aggressiveness) through two relevant seasons for the nest ecology: spring and autumn. Genetic analyses using microsatellites indicated that the nests studied belonged to the most spread supercolony in South Europe. However, we identified the existence of two genetically differentiated clusters in Galiza. Lethal interactions were found between workers from different and similar genetic clusters, but a trend suggests higher agonistic behaviours between the two genetic groups. Genetic differences were positively correlated with the geographical distance, but aggressiveness was not correlated with any of them. Ants from each of the tested nests expressed different behaviours with high plasticity through time. Ants from all nests showed more exploration and aggressiveness, less wall-following and faster detection of food in autumn than in spring, with no intraspecific aggressiveness observed in spring. Our findings suggest competition between nests of the same supercolony and behavioural seasonal variability, supporting the hypothesis of divergent evolutionary processes. The results of our work question the assumed unity of supercolonies of this species and offer insights for understanding the future adaptation of L. humile in the introduced areas.
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Siddiqui JA, Bamisile BS, Khan MM, Islam W, Hafeez M, Bodlah I, Xu Y. Impact of invasive ant species on native fauna across similar habitats under global environmental changes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:54362-54382. [PMID: 34405331 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biotic invasions can predominantly alter the dynamics, composition, functions, and structure of natural ecosystems. Social insects, particularly ants, are among the most damaging invasive alien species. Invasive ant species are among the supreme threats to ecosystems. There are about 23 species of invasive ants recorded worldwide, according to the ant invasive databases. The ecological impacts of invasive ants comprise predation, hybridization, and competition with native species that changes the ecosystem processes with the biodiversity loss and upsurge of pests. The effects of invasion on native fauna in the same habitats might be catastrophic for the native community through various ecological mechanisms, e.g., habitat disturbance, resource competition, limiting the foraging activity of native species, and various other indirect mechanisms of invasive species. Invasive species may have harmful impacts on habitats and devastating effects on natural flora and fauna, and stopping these new species from being introduced is the most effective way to deter future invasions and maintain biodiversity. This paper reviews the literature to evaluate the effects of invasive ant species on the native species, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants sharing the same habitats as the non-native species under global environmental changes. We also highlighted the various management strategies that could be adopted in minimizing the adverse effects of these invasive ant species on the natural ecosystem. To this end, strategies that could regulate the mode and rate of invasion by these alien ant species are the most effective ways to deter future invasions and maintain biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- Red Imported Fire Ant Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Bamisope Steve Bamisile
- Red Imported Fire Ant Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Centre of Biological Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Waqar Islam
- College of Geography, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Muhammad Hafeez
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Imran Bodlah
- Insect Biodiversity and Conservation Group, Department of Entomology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Red Imported Fire Ant Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
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Putri D, Yokozawa M, Yamanaka T, Cronin AL. Trait Plasticity among Invasive Populations of the Ant Technomyrmex brunneus in Japan. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092702. [PMID: 34573668 PMCID: PMC8465827 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Invasive ants are a global economic and ecological problem. Understanding what makes them tick is thus an active area of scientific research. Many invasive ant species form large networks of inter-connected colonies (‘supercolonies’) which can span many hundreds of kilometres. Supercolonies are typically a characteristic of invasive populations, and studies have also identified shifts in other traits including diet in invasive populations compared to populations in the native range. This suggests that the ability to plastically change behaviour in this way may facilitate invasiveness. In this study, we assess trait plasticity in the invasive range of the ant Technomyrmex brunneus. This species is native to southern Asia and has invaded many islands of the southern Japanese archipelago, allowing us to compare traits among different invasive populations. We find a supercolony in one of the three invasive populations studied, though interestingly, this population did not show the expected pattern of lower genetic diversity. The supercolony population did differ in diet compared to other populations. While it is unclear if variation in these traits is linked, our findings add weight to arguments that plasticity is important in facilitating invasiveness. Abstract Characters in invasive populations often differ from those in the native range, and the ability to express different characters may enhance invasive potential. Ants are among the most pervasive and damaging invasive species, by virtue of their transportability and broad-ranging ecological interactions. Their success is often attributed to the ability to exhibit different characteristics in invasive populations, including the formation of large, unicolonial associations (‘supercolonies’). It remains unclear, however, if such characteristics are a product or cause of the ecological dominance of invasive ants, and the advancement of our understanding has likely been restrained by the fact that studies to date have focused on a few globally important species with well-established invasions. In this study, we take advantage of an ongoing invasion of the tramp ant Technomyrmex brunneus in Japan to assess trait plasticity in the invasive range of this species. We find evidence for plasticity in social structure among island populations, with a supercolony evident on one of the three islands studied. Interestingly, we found no evidence of lower genetic diversity in this population, though natural isotope data indicate it was operating at a lower trophic level than other populations. These findings add weight to arguments that invasive species may benefit from the capacity to adaptively mould themselves to new ecological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diyona Putri
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.L.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Masanori Yokozawa
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Toshiro Yamanaka
- School of Marine Resource and Environment, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan;
| | - Adam L. Cronin
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.L.C.)
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Cabrera E, Rivas Fontan I, Hoffmann BD, Josens R. Laboratory and field insights into the dynamics and behavior of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, feeding from hydrogels. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3250-3258. [PMID: 33729652 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogels that have absorbed a liquid containing a toxicant are a novel form of bait-delivery for ant control. Here, we study the abilities of Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) workers to imbibe liquid from hydrogels. We quantified feeding behavior with: (i) hydrogels containing different sucrose concentrations (20, 30, 40 and 50% w/w); (ii) hydrogels versus liquid droplets; and (iii) hydrogel age (air exposure time). We also performed a field assay to assess visits by L. humile and other ant species to hydrogels. RESULTS Ingested volume and feeding time decreased with increasing sucrose concentrations, but the number and duration of pauses were similar. Feeding from hydrogels was slower than from a liquid droplet and ants imbibed less liquid and fed for shorter times from hydrogels. Feeding time increased with hydrogel age, whereas ingested volume decreased and approached zero after 120 min under laboratory conditions. In the field, ants attended the hydrogels during the full 120-min study period. When L. humile workers found a hydrogel, they monopolized it to the exclusion of other ant species. L. humile occupied and dominated hydrogels predominantly in shaded locations. CONCLUSION Hydrogels with sucrose concentrations no greater than 30% appear best for liquid uptake by L. humile. Hydrogels not in direct sunlight will have greater attendance by L. humile and, therefore, less attendance by non-target ant species. Shady and humid places may prolong the longevity of hydrogels, which would imply higher intakes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBYNE-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Rivas Fontan
- Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBYNE-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Benjamin D Hoffmann
- CSIRO, Health & Biosecurity, Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre, Winnellie, Australia
| | - Roxana Josens
- Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBYNE-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Seko Y, Hashimoto K, Koba K, Hayasaka D, Sawahata T. Intraspecific differences in the invasion success of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile Mayr are associated with diet breadth. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2874. [PMID: 33536543 PMCID: PMC7859199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82464-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr, has spread to almost all continents. In each introduced region, L. humile often forms a single large colony (supercolony), the members of which share the haplotype "LH1", despite the presence of other supercolonies with different genetic structures. However, the mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of LH1 ants are unclear. Here, we examined whether diet breadth differs between more successful (LH1) and less successful (LH2, LH3, LH4) L. humile supercolonies in Japan to better understand the processes responsible for invasion success. The standard ellipse areas (SEAs) of δ13C and δ15N and their ranges (CR and NR) were used as diet breadth indices. The SEAs of LH1 were much larger than those of the less successful supercolonies despite no differences in the baseline SEAs of arthropods within the supercolony habitats, indicating that the invasion success of a supercolony is associated with its diet breadth. Furthermore, LH1 had a broader CR than the other supercolonies, suggesting that which might be derived from superior resource exploitation ability. Our study highlights the importance of focusing on intraspecific differences in diet breadth among supercolonies when assessing organisms that can potentially invade and become dominant in new habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugo Seko
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan.
| | - Koya Hashimoto
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
- National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koba
- Center for Ecological Research (CER), Kyoto University, Hirano 2-509-3, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2113, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hayasaka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan.
| | - Takuo Sawahata
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara, 631-8505, Japan
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12
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Viviano A, Amori G, Luiselli L, Oebel H, Bahleman F, Mori E. Blessing the rains down in Africa: spatiotemporal behaviour of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata (Mammalia: Rodentia) in the rainy and dry seasons, in the African savannah. TROPICAL ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.4081/tz.2020.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of habitat selection and temporal patterns of activity rhythms is paramount for wildlife conservation. Studies on behavioural ecology of wild mammals are particularly challenging in tropical areas, mostly when involving rare or elusive species. Despite being a common species in Italy, the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is threatened of extinction throughout most of its sub-Saharan range. All available information on the ecology of this species has been collected in Italy, whereas no data is present in the scientific literature on spatiotemporal behaviour of this large rodent in Africa. In this work, we attempted to determine habitat selection and temporal patterns of activity rhythms of the crested porcupine in northern Benin and neighbouring countries, through intensive camera-trapping. We collected a total of 146 records of crested porcupine, 91 in the dry season (October-March) and 55 in the rainy season (April-September). Porcupines used most habitats in proportion to their local availability, while selecting rock outcrop formations (possibly used as shelter sites) and avoiding open areas, wetlands and gallery forests. A mostly nocturnal behaviour was confirmed throughout the year, with some diurnal activity at the start and at the end of the rainy season. The importance of rains in determining birth peak has been also showed, with juvenile individuals always observed at the start and at the end of the rainy season. Full moon always inhibited activity of this large rodent, most likely evolved as an antipredatory behaviour to limit encounters with potential predators (common leopard Panthera pardus, spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta and honey badger Mellivora capensis) and humans. Poaching pressure towards porcupines in West Africa is strong. Porcupines are killed for the traditional medicine, for their meat and because they are widely considered as a crop pest. This assessment should therefore be used as a basic tool to design conservation plans to preserve this rodent species in its native range.
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13
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Behavioral responses to numerical differences when two invasive ants meet: the case of Lasius neglectus and Linepithema humile. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTwo of the world’s most invasive ants, Linepithema humile and Lasius neglectus, are destined to overlap in range as they continue to spread throughout Europe. Although L. humile arrived first, and is therefore more numerically abundant, L. neglectus is the more behaviorally dominant of the two. We performed lab trials to determine whether L. humile could use numerical abundance to overcome the behavioral dominance of L. neglectus and whether the ants’ behavioral patterns shifted when the species co-occurred. We found that L. neglectus was more aggressive when less abundant, whereas the opposite was true of L. humile. When L. neglectus was outnumbered, it employed aggressive behaviors, such as biting or chemical attacks, more frequently than L. humile; it also utilized a behavioral sequence that included mandible opening and biting. Our results for these species support the hypothesis that species modulate their behavior towards competitors, which facilitates the understanding of how multiple invasive ant species can co-occur in a given area. Moreover, our study shows that the co-occurrence of invasive species could result from the use of two strategies: (1) the Bourgeois strategy, in which aggressiveness changes based on numerical dominance and (2) the dear-enemy strategy, in which aggressiveness is reduced when competitors co-occur. Since these strategies may lead to territory partitioning, we suggest that the behavioral flexibility displayed by both species when they overlap may allow local co-occurrence and increase their likelihood of co-occurrence during their range expansion in Europe, which could have a negative cumulative impact on invaded areas.
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Gippet JM, Liebhold AM, Fenn-Moltu G, Bertelsmeier C. Human-mediated dispersal in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 35:96-102. [PMID: 31479895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Central to the problem of biological invasions, human activities introduce species beyond their native ranges and participate in their subsequent spread. Understanding human-mediated dispersal is therefore crucial for both predicting and preventing invasions. Here, we show that decomposing human-mediated dispersal into three temporal phases: departure, transport and arrival, allows to understand how the characteristics of human activities and the biological traits of species influence each phase of the dispersal process, and ultimately govern invasion pathways in insects. Integrating these precise mechanisms into future invasion models should increase their realism and generalization for any potential insect invader. Moreover, understanding these mechanisms can provide insight into why some invasive insects are more widely distributed than others, and to estimate risks posed by species that have not yet been introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Mw Gippet
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew M Liebhold
- US Forest Service Northern Research Station, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Praha 6 - Suchdol, CZ 165 21, Czech Republic
| | - Gyda Fenn-Moltu
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cleo Bertelsmeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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15
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Neumann KM, Pinter-Wollman N. Collective responses to heterospecifics emerge from individual differences in aggression. Behav Ecol 2019; 30:801-808. [PMID: 31210722 PMCID: PMC6562301 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in individual behavior among group members impacts collective outcomes. The ability of both individuals and groups to outcompete others can determine access to resources. The invasive Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, dominates resources and displaces native species. To determine how access to resources by groups of L. humile is impacted by their behavioral composition, we first determined that L. humile workers consistently vary in aggressive behavior. We then asked if variation in aggression within a group influences the group's ability to access a resource in the presence of cues of a native species, Tapinoma sessile. We found that the behavioral composition of L. humile groups impacted the groups' collective response to cues of T. sessile. Group behavior was the result of mostly additive, rather than synergistic, combinations of the behaviors of the group members. The behavior of groups that contained 50% highly aggressive and 50% low-aggression individuals was similar to the average of the behaviors of groups of all highly aggressive and groups of all low-aggression individuals. Uncovering the mechanisms that allow social invasive species to dominate the ecological communities they invade can inform the mitigation of invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Neumann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noa Pinter-Wollman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Wright CM, Lichtenstein JLL, Doering GN, Pretorius J, Meunier J, Pruitt JN. Collective personalities: present knowledge and new frontiers. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Unraveling behavioral and pace-of-life syndromes in a reduced parasite and predation pressure context: personality and survival of the Barbary ground squirrel. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Lopez LK, Hendry K, Wong MYL, Davis AR. Insight into invasion: Interactions between a critically endangered and invasive crayfish. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Lopez
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; Northfields Avenue Wollongong 2522 New South Wales Australia
| | - Katie Hendry
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; Northfields Avenue Wollongong 2522 New South Wales Australia
| | - Marian Y. L. Wong
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; Northfields Avenue Wollongong 2522 New South Wales Australia
| | - Andy R. Davis
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; Northfields Avenue Wollongong 2522 New South Wales Australia
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Carthey AJR, Banks PB. Naïve, bold, or just hungry? An invasive exotic prey species recognises but does not respond to its predators. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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20
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Tewes LJ, Mueller C. Syndromes in suites of correlated traits suggest multiple mechanisms facilitating invasion in a plant range-expander. NEOBIOTA 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.37.21470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Various mechanisms can facilitate the success of plant invasions simultaneously, but may be difficult to disentangle. In the present study, plants of the range-expanding species Bunias orientalis from native, invasive and naturalised, not yet invasive populations were compared in a field common garden over two years. Plants were grown under two nitrate-regimes and multiple traits regarding growth, defence, antagonist loads and reproduction were measured. A rank-based clustering approach was used to assign correlated traits to distinct suites. These suites were analysed for “syndromes” that are expressed as a function of population origin and/or fertilisation treatment and might represent different invasion mechanisms. Indeed, distinct suites of traits were differentially affected by these factors. The results suggest that several pre-adaptation properties, such as certain growth characteristics and intraspecific chemical variation, as well as post-introduction adaptations to antagonists and resource availability in novel habitats, are candidate mechanisms that facilitate the success of invasive B. orientalis in parallel. It was concluded that rank-based clustering is a robust and expedient approach to integrate multiple traits for elucidating invasion syndromes within individual species. Studying a multitude of traits at different life-history and establishment stages of plants grown under distinct resource treatments reveals species-specific trade-offs and resource sinks and simplifies the interpretation of trait functions for the potential invasive success of plants.
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Abril S, Diaz M, Lenoir A, Ivon Paris C, Boulay R, Gómez C. Cuticular hydrocarbons correlate with queen reproductive status in native and invasive Argentine ants (Linepithema humile, Mayr). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193115. [PMID: 29470506 PMCID: PMC5823440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In insect societies, chemical communication plays an important role in colony reproduction and individual social status. Many studies have indicated that cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are the main chemical compounds encoding reproductive status. However, these studies have largely focused on queenless or monogynous species whose workers are capable of egg laying and have mainly explored the mechanisms underlying queen-worker or worker-worker reproductive conflicts. Less is known about what occurs in highly polygynous ant species with permanently sterile workers. Here, we used the Argentine ant as a model to examine the role of CHCs in communicating reproductive information in such insect societies. The Argentine ant is unicolonial, highly polygynous, and polydomous. We identified several CHCs whose presence and levels were correlated with queen age, reproductive status, and fertility. Our results also provide new insights into queen executions in the Argentine ant, a distinctive feature displayed by this species in its introduced range. Each spring, just before new sexuals appear, workers eliminate up to 90% of the mated queens in their colonies. We discovered that queens that survived execution had different CHC profiles from queens present before and during execution. More specifically, levels of some CHCs were higher in the survivors, suggesting that workers could eliminate queens based on their chemical profiles. In addition, queen CHC profiles differed based on season and species range (native vs. introduced). Overall, the results of this study provide new evidence that CHCs serve as queen signals and do more than just regulate worker reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Abril
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Mireia Diaz
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Alain Lenoir
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Carolina Ivon Paris
- Departamento Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Raphaël Boulay
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Crisanto Gómez
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
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