Predation by the ponerine ant Pachycondyla commutata on termites of the genus Syntermes in Amazonian rain forest

Summary

Pachycondyla commutata (Roger) is a ponerine ant which preys exclusively on foraging parties of leaf-cutting species of Syntermes Holmgren in neotropical forests. Its behaviour is specialized for the successful predation of these surface-foragers.

A single scout locates the termite prey and returns directly to the nest, laying a scent trail. Inside the nest, about 40 nest-mates on average group together and then follow the scout along the scent trail to the termites, where they capture a considerable proportion of the prey. The scout plays a major role in guiding the group to termites and her removal completely disrupts the column.

P. commutata attacks all available Syntermes species at the same rate. It was calculated that the ponerine consumes approximately three times the Syntermes soldier and worker population per annum. This heavy predation rate suggests surface-foraging Syntermes have a relatively higher production: biomass ratio than most neotropical termites.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alan E. Mill

Formerly of Department of Biology, University of Southampton, England.