Comparing different methods for trapping mated queens of weaver ants (Oecophylla longinoda; Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The predatory efficiency of African weaver ants Oecophylla longinoda and their utilisation in protein production is a function of ant abundance. Reliable control of insect pests in tropical crops is achieved when ant populations are constantly high. Transplanted populations of weaver ant colonies containing egg-laying queens are more stable than those without. Achieving such stability through collection of colonies established in the wild is usually difficult because of uncertainty in locating the nest containing the egg-laying queen. In this study, we investigated four methods that may be used to collect mated queens that subsequently can be used to stock ant nurseries. The catch efficiencies of (1) leaf traps, (2) paper traps (both types providing a refuge for founding queens), (3) random search for queens and (4) light trapping were compared. Light trapping was the most efficient way to collect queens followed by leaf traps, random search and, last, paper traps. Light trapping and random search, though, required the presence of a person throughout the ant's mating season (several months), whereas this was not required when using leaf and paper traps.

Keywords:

• Oecophylla longinoda
• trapping
• mated queen

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the personnel at Muheza District Agricultural Office in Tanga for their support in identifying research sites for our field activities. The Semngano village government and farmers are acknowledged for offering their fields for experimentation and assisting in taking care of traps and data collection. Jimmy Mhina of the Muheza extension department will always be remembered for his tireless support in supervising the day-to-day activities at Tanga study sites. Special thanks are to John Kusolwa for his tremendous support on data collection and assistance in fieldworks.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by DANIDA under grant [Project 10-025 AU].