Leaf‐cutting ant preferences for five native tropical plantation tree species growing under different light conditions

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1570-7458.1996.tb00968.x
• Publication Date: 2011-03-28T09:45:51Z
• Authors: Patricia J. Folga...; Lee A. Dyer; Robert J. Marquis; H. Elizabeth Braker
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract To examine the susceptibility of five Costa Rican tree species to leaf‐cutter ants ( Atta cephalotes L.: Formicidae, Attini), young and mature leaves from trees that were grown in a plantation under full sun partial shade offered six colonies located shade. In addition offering leaf disks ants, we large pieces assess effect cutting on food choices. Leaf‐cutters responded differently each plant species, preferring Virola koschyni Warburg (Myristicaceae) Hyeronima alchorneoides Allemao (Euphorbiaceae) over Stryphnodendrum microstachyum Poeppig & Endlicher (Mimosoideae), Pentaclethra macroloba Willdenow (Fabaceae) Vochysia ferruginea Martius (Vochysiaceae). agreement with previous studies, interspecific differences among water saponin content appeared account for observed ant preferences species: preferred more less saponins varied significantly these traits. An positive correlation between preference phenolic/nitrogen ratio appears be spurious, is instead due negative nitrogen content. For first time, nest location has been shown affect consumption: nests removed material than those plots. However, had no ranking tested. Pieces all sun. Leaf age, toughness, specific weights, activity, colony not correlated Because preferences, should considered as equal candidates purposes. complete characterization candidate status plantations neotropics must include information ability such tolerate pest attacks their natural defenses attack.