Populations, prey capture and sharing, and foraging of the Paraguayan Ponerine Odontomachus chelifer Latreille

Summary

In central Paraguay, the ponerine ant Odontomachus chelifer is found in densities of less than one colony/ha in mixed woodland, and is almost always associated with Atta sexdens, the dominant leaf-cutting ant. Individual colony populations number less than 150. Foraging was found to be highly seasonal, and to be preceded by the formation of preforage aggregations. With increasing colony hunger, foraging activity increased. Moreover, definite preferences were shown for certain common termite prey species. With increasing colony hunger, less food was shared among workers.