Changes in arboreal ant populations following pruning of coffee shade-treesin Chiapas,Mexico

Reducing or eliminating shade cover in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) agroforestry systems affects fungal disease and pest outbreaks, coffee yields, and can result in biodiversity loss of important predators, such as ants. Less dramatic changes in shade structure or composition may also affect ants. Shade tree pruning, a common management practice in shaded coffee systems, has unknown consequences for ant communities. The effects of pruning on arboreal ant communities were investigated by measuring ant abundance, distribution, and species richness in the short (1 week) and long-term (6 months) after shade tree pruning in one 25×50 m plot. Shade tree pruning significantly affected the distribution and abundance of two of the most common ant species (Azteca instabilis F. Smith and Camponotus senex textor Forel), and in general did not affect other ants. After pruning, C. senex textor ants were 80% more abundant on coffee plants and shade trees, whereas A. instabilis abundance dropped by 40% on coffee plants and 73% on shade trees after pruning. Additionally, C. senex textor were significantly more widespread, whereas A. instabilis distributions were more restricted. The effects of pruning were strong over the short-term, but were not evident over the long-term. Shade tree pruning did not affect ant diversity. Thus shade tree pruning largely affected certain aspects of arboreal ant communities in one coffee agroforestry system, with important implications for biological control.     

Among-tree variation in leaf traits and herbivore attacks in a deciduous oak,Quercus dentata

Abstract

Variations in defensive and some other leaf traits were studied in a population of an oak species, Quercus dentata Thunberg, in northern Japan, with reference to attacks by ectophagous herbivores and leafminers. The oak population showed substantial individual variations in concentrations of total phenolics and condensed tannins, nitrogen content, trichome density, leaf area and budburst timing. With the exception of leaf mass per area, which showed a positive relation with leaf toughness and a negative relation with water content, no significant relation was observed between the plant traits studied, suggesting an absence of trade-off or linkage between them. The oaks also showed substantial individual variations in leaf area loss by ectophagous herbivores, densities of major leafminers (Phyllonorycter and Stigmella species) and survival of Phyllonorycter sap-feeding larvae. The density of trichomes showed a significant, negative relation with leaf area loss by ectophagous herbivores, but significant, positive relations with densities of some leafminers. The other leaf traits seldom showed significant relations with herbivore densities or survival. In this oak population, these traits may not have enough variations to be reflected in the abundance and performance of herbivores.     

Predatory ability of the ant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crematogaster scutellaris</Emphasis> on the brown marmorated stink bug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halyomorpha halys</Emphasis>

The pest Halyomorpha halys is a recent example of severe worldwide biological invasion. In Italy, after the first detection in 2012, it has rapidly spread and economic damage has already been reported in commercial fruit orchards, eliciting enormous concern for Italian agricultural production. As a long-term solution, biological control investigations are focusing on the potential of natural antagonists, such as generalist predators, in the invaded areas. Due to their biology, ecology and behavior, ants represent one such generalist predator potentially suitable for inflicting mortality on H. halys. In this research, Crematogaster scutellaris was used as a study model. Specifically, the effect of ant predatory behavior on the survival of all H. halys pre-imaginal stages was tested in the laboratory environment. The results suggest that C. scutellaris has a significant predatory impact on all H. halys pre-imaginal stages except for eggs. The reduction of survivorship is between 95 and 85% for instars 1 and 2 and between 38 and 52% for instars 3, 4 and 5. The different levels of predation success suggest that these ants could act as useful generalist predators when associated with other antagonists and/or other control strategies. Although further field investigations are needed, the potential of ants as biocontrol agents of invasive species in agroecosystems deserves consideration in integrated pest management programs.     

Predatory potential of three hunting spiders inhabiting the rice ecosystems

Present study was designed to assess the prey preference behaviour of three most dominant hunting spiders [Lycosa terrestris Butt, Anwar and Tahir 2006 (Araneae: Lycosidae), Pardosa birmanica Siman 1884 (Araneae: Lycosidae) and Oxyopes javanus (Thorell 1887) (Araneae: Oxyopidae)] of rice ecosystems both in the laboratory and in the field. Two types of laboratory experiments, i.e., choice and no choice feeding, were performed using only adult male and female specimens of the spiders. No choice test showed that each of the three hunting spiders readily consumed larvae and nymphs of rice pests offered. Female hunting spiders consumed more prey compared to male hunting spiders. Results of choice feeding test indicated that L. terrestris and P. birmanica preferred nymphs of rice insect pests while O. javanus preferred larvae of rice insect pests. Results of direct observations showed that in August, dipterous insects were the most numerous rice pests consumed by L. terrestris, P. birmanica and O. javanus, comprising over 56.3, 38 and 48% of their respective diets. In contrast, in September, the proportion of dipterous insects decreased dramatically and hoppers become the most numerous pests, comprising over 50, 51 and 41% of all prey and spiders consumed by L. terrestris, P. birmanica and O. javanus, respectively. In October, aquatic Heteroptera were frequently observed in their diets. Predatory potential of these hunting spiders differed statistically in the laboratory as well as in the field. It is concluded from the results of present project that studied species of spiders could successfully be used to control insect pests of rice ecosystems.     

Ants and birds reduce western spruce budworm feeding injury to small Douglas-fir and western larch in Montana

Western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, larvae on small Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca [Beissn.] Franco) and western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) trees were protected from ant and bird predation during fourth instar to pupation. Significantly greater budworm densities were found on protected trees than on the controls at the end of the experiment, and significantly greater feeding injury was associated with increased budworm densities on fir. It is concluded that ants and birds remove budworm larvae feeding on small conifer trees and reduce injury up to 50%.     

松褐天牛在马尾松树干上的分布规律

作为松材线虫病(Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)的最重要传播媒介,松褐天牛已成为控制松材线虫病的重点。明确松褐天牛各虫态在不同地区寄主树干上的分布,对因地适宜地释放天敌昆虫有着重要意义。为此,本研究通过解剖受害马尾松,结合林间调查,系统地研究了松褐天牛产卵刻槽、幼虫和蛹在马尾松树干上的分布规律。结果表明:松褐天牛产卵刻槽主要分布在树干的2.5 6.5 m范围内,刻槽数量与树干高度和胸径显著相关;松褐天牛幼虫数量与树干胸径关系不显著;多数蛹室位于侵入孔正上方,少数蛹室位于侵入孔下方,两种蛹室数量差异显著;两种蛹室与侵入孔中心的平均距离分别为3.93 cm和4.39 cm,两者之间差异不显著;并建立了松褐天牛幼虫在马尾松树干上的垂直分布模式图。本研究表明了松褐天牛种群密度与寄主树木大小的关系,为释放天敌进行生物防治提供了基础。     

云南绿春县天然次生林和4种人工林树冠层蚂蚁群落多样性

[目的]探讨天然次生林和人工林及人工林树种选择对树冠层蚂蚁群落多样性的影响。[方法]运用树栖蚂蚁陷阱法调查云南省绿春县天然次生林和4种人工林的树冠层蚂蚁群落、植物多样性及植物垂直密度变化。[结果](1)共采集蚂蚁标本17 998头,隶属于6亚科29属68种。(2)树冠层蚂蚁多度:紫胶林-玉米混农林紫胶林桉树林橡胶林天然次生林。(3)树冠层蚂蚁丰富度:紫胶林-玉米混农林紫胶林天然次生林橡胶林桉树林。(4)树冠层蚂蚁ACE估计值:紫胶林-玉米混农林紫胶林天然次生林桉树林橡胶林。(5)树冠层蚂蚁多度和丰富度与枯落物盖度、300 cm处垂直密度和乔木郁闭度呈显著或极显著负相关,而与植物盖度显著正相关;ACE估计值与枯落物盖度、草本植物盖度和乔木郁闭度显著负相关,与175 199.9 cm区段内垂直密度显著正相关。[结论]人工林对蚂蚁多样性保护有一定积极作用,尤其选择乡土树种保护效果更显著,对人工林进行合理的管理有利于保护生物多样性。     

Effects of fire retardant application on heathland surface-dwelling ant species (Order Hymenoptera; Family Formicidae) in Victoria,Australia

The effects of fire retardant application at varying rates on surface-dwelling ants in heathland communities were assessed over a 1-year period from March 2001 to March 2002. The study was conducted at two sites, one in East Gippsland at Marlo and the other in the Grampians region of south-west Victoria where a total across both sites of 6407 specimens representing 18 ant species contained in 5400 pitfall trap samples were collected. It was concluded that despite retardant application, no significant effect was observed within the major ant species Rhytidoponera metallica (Smith) and Pheidole sp. at both sites. These species appear to form a stable component of the heathland ant community. However, significant decreases in activity were observed for Camponotus terebrans (Lowne) at the Grampians site and Paratrechina sp. at the Marlo site. Evidence suggests that retardant application when combined with prevailing suitable climatic conditions, leads to foliage mortality, litter accumulation and weed invasion, leading to potential creation of habitat less suitable for activity of these species. When assessed in terms of taxon richness and community evenness, ant species were unaffected at the Grampians, while at Marlo, community evenness was affected due to the smaller number of individuals collected in the medium retardant treatment. When assessed by their functional groupings, the Subordinate Camponotini showed significantly reduced activity on the retardant treated sites at the Grampians directly as a result of C. terebrans activity. Further study is required to determine the combined effects of fire and retardant on ant species, as well as any longer-term effects past 1 year.     

Population dynamics of Dasiops inedulis (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) and its biotic and abiotic mortality factors in Colombian sweet passionfruit orchards

Throughout South America, the lonchaeid flies Dasiops spp. are important herbivores of passionfruit crops. However, little is known on the biology and ecology of these insects, resulting in inadequate pest management schemes. In this study, we describe Dasiops inedulis population dynamics in Colombian sweet passionfruit (SP; Passiflora ligularis Juss.) and elucidate biotic mortality factors at different fly developmental stages. From August 2009 to July 2010, D. inedulis and Dasiops spp. abundance was assessed through monthly McPhail bait trapping and collection of SP flower buds, flowers, and immature fruits. Mortality levels of D. inedulis were determined for early instar larvae by ovary dissection and for late-instar larvae or pupae by prey removal trials. Maximum infestation reached 80 % in fruits and flower buds, and bud infestation correlated with precipitation during the previous month. Two days after oviposition, 8.2 ± 2.3 (mean ± SD) Dasiops sp. eggs were found in SP ovaries and 4.4 ± 1.2 late-instar larvae were recovered from immature fruits at day 14. Upon larval drop on the orchard soil, 74.8 % larvae burrowed within the soil within 9 min, while 12.5 % larvae were attacked by ants. In-field mortality of young pupae amounted to 75.3 ± 7.0 %, with vertebrate predators likely causing 12.1 ± 6.0 % mortality. Late-instar larvae and pupae appear highly vulnerable to natural enemy action, with the ground-foraging predator community mainly composed of ants (80.37 %) and ground beetles (9.17 %). Our findings should help develop integrated pest management (IPM) tactics for SP crops.     

Behavioral and electrophysiological response of sugarcane aphid and imported fire ant to 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine,an alkaloid from the pink-spotted lady beetle

Many predatory coccinellids conflict with hemipteran tending ants, because they both use hemipterans as resources. Lady beetles are important in the ecology of ants and their reciprocal relationship with hemipterans. Volatiles released by lady beetles have diverse biological significance in intraspecific communication, attraction, and aggregation. However, whether the semiochemicals from lady beetles influence the sympatric members, such as aphids and ants, is still obscure. Sugarcane aphids Melanaphis sacchari was closely associated with honeydew collecting ants and coccinellid predators. Herein, we investigated the behavioral and electrophysiological responses of M. sacchari and their attending red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, to an alkaloid, 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (TMP) from the pink-spotted lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata. The response of C. maculata to this alkaloid was also evaluated. The results showed that TMP elicited significant electroantennogram (EAG) responses in M. sacchari, S. invicta, and C. maculata. In addition, it triggered significant preference and aggregation in both C. maculata males and females at 100 μg/μL, while induced a strong avoidance in M. sacchari. It significantly decreased the digging and residing preference of S. invicta workers at high concentration, but showed certain attractiveness to workers at a lower concentration. Moreover, TMP inhibited aphid-tending efficiency of S. invicta thereby curbing the benefits to M. sacchari. The findings provide important evidence that TMP is a pheromone in C. maculata and a semiochemical to both S. invicta and M. sacchari. It may affect the mutualistic interactions between S. invicta and M. sacchari by mediating the behaviors of both species.

     

Above- and belowground biomass,nutrient and carbon stocks contrasting an open-grown and a shaded coffee plantation

Coffee (Coffea canephora var robusta) is grown in Southwestern Togo under shade of native Albizia adianthifolia as a low input cropping system. However, there is no information on carbon and nutrient cycling in these shaded coffee systems. Hence, a study was conducted in a mature coffee plantation in Southwestern Togo to determine carbon and nutrient stocks in shaded versus open-grown coffee systems. Biomass of Albizia trees was predicted by allometry, whereas biomass of coffee bushes was estimated through destructive sampling. Above- and belowground biomass estimates were respectively, 140 Mg ha⁻¹ and 32 Mg ha⁻¹ in the coffee–Albizia association, and 29.7 Mg ha⁻¹ and 18.7 Mg ha⁻¹ in the open-grown system. Albizia trees contributed 87% of total aboveground biomass and 55% of total root biomass in the shaded coffee system. Individual coffee bushes consistently had higher biomass in the open-grown than in the shaded coffee system. Total C stock was 81 Mg ha⁻¹ in the shaded coffee system and only 22.9 Mg ha⁻¹ for coffee grown in the open. Apart from P and Mg, considerable amounts of major nutrients were stored in the shade tree biomass in non-easily recyclable fractions. Plant tissues in the shaded coffee system had higher N concentration, suggesting possible N fixation. Given the potential for competition between the shade trees and coffee for nutrients, particularly in low soil fertility conditions, it is suggested that the shade trees be periodically pruned in order to increase organic matter addition and nutrient return to the soil. An erratum to this article can be found at     

蚂蚁利用资源的功能特征比较

In order to reveal the difference of functional traits of ants and study on ant's functional diversity, the functional traits of 17 ant species were measured. The results were as follows: (1) There was difference of functional traits in terms of resource utilization among ant species. Pachycondyla rufipes (Jerdon) was the largest, and Technomyrmex albipes (Smith) was the smallest one in the aspect of food consumption amount. Technomyrmex bicolor Emery and Iridomyrmex anceps (Roger), Camponotus nicobarensis (Mayr) and Pachycondyla zhengi Xu, Gnamptogenys bicolor (Emery) and Aphaenogaster beccarii Emery showed similarity in food consumption amount. (2) In the aspect of mode of resource utilization, Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) has the longest relative legs, but their functions were prior to nesting, the 2 species of Aphaenogaster, 3 species of Camponotus and the Iridomyrmex anceps (Roger) could run fast to acquire resource, the rest 10 ant species had better resource utilization abilities in complex habitat. The overall trend showed that the species from the same family and genus had the similar traits in terms of food consumption amount and mode of resource utilization than those from different family or genus; the reason of difference was mainly due to the significantly different body sizes regardless the family or genus.     

Interference competition and predation between invasive and native herbivores in maize

Interspecific interactions (e.g., competition, predation) are core determinants of insect population evolution, geographical distribution, trophic dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Following its recent invasion of eastern Asia, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) co-inhabits maize fields with native lepidopteran herbivores, such as the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura. Here, drawing upon laboratory and field studies, we demonstrate how late-instar S. frugiperda larvae directly prey upon S. litura immature stages and competitively displace them from the maize whorl. Individual maize plants did not mediate the above interactions, with herbivore-damaged leaves not affecting the development rate of either species. In the field, ecological niches of S. frugiperda and S. litura overlapped, with species-specific occupancy rates of whorl-stage leaves (vegetative phase) and ears or tassels (reproductive phase) exceeding 70% and 90%, respectively. Field cage trials showed that S. frugiperda larvae either preyed upon or repelled S. litura larvae from maize plants, routinely resulting in more than 90% mortality of the latter. Field visits and cage studies in Yunnan (SW China) also revealed how—within an approx. 1-year time period—S. frugiperda has become a dominant species in local maize fields and co-infestation of both herbivores on the same plant is rare. Overall, our work shows how the invasive S. frugiperda exhibits a clear competitive advantage over native lepidopterans and could replace certain species within local agroecosystems. This study not only unveils the mechanistic causes of rapid ecological shifts within S. frugiperda-invaded cropping systems, but may also guide subsequent monitoring and management interventions.

     

巨桉林和天然次生林枯落物层蚂蚁多样性及指示种

[目的]探讨巨桉林中蚂蚁群落的生态状况及植被变化后蚂蚁群落的响应,为今后土地利用方式的选择优化及生态恢复策略的制定提供依据。[方法]于2012年10月和2013年4月采用Winkler袋法调查云南省绿春县的巨桉人工林和天然次生林中枯落物层蚂蚁群落。[结果]共采集枯落物层蚂蚁5亚科34属66种2 118头。四个样地间枯落物层蚂蚁的物种丰富度有显著差异(GLM,t=-2.068,P=0.039),相对多度无显著差异(GLM,t=-0.174,P=0.863),其中巨桉林E1蚂蚁物种丰富度最高,N2最低;天然次生林N1蚂蚁多度最高,E2最低。巨桉林枯落物层蚂蚁群落结构与天然次生林无显著差异(ANOSIM Global R=0.5,P=0.333)。巨桉林中的指示物种为菱结大头蚁和东方小家蚁,天然次生林中的指示物种为红足厚结猛蚁。枯落物层厚度与蚂蚁物种丰富度显著负相关,枯落物层其它指标与蚂蚁物种丰富度和多度均无显著相关性。[结论]干扰少、林下植被丰富的人工巨桉林对枯落物层蚂蚁群落多样性的保护具有积极意义。     

The role of competitors for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysomela lapponica</Emphasis>, a north Eurasian willow pest,in pioneering a new host plant

The Palaearctic leaf beetle Chrysomela lapponica usually feeds upon willows in the northern region of its occurrence. However, in Central Europe, some populations are known that have specialised on birch. In this study, we investigated the significance of other herbivores occurring together on the same host plants as possible exploitative competitors of C. lapponica. Two populations were studied: a population from Finland specialised on the willow Salix borealis, and a population from the Czech Republic, specialised on the birch Betula pubescens. Abundances of folivorous and suctivorous insects on both host plants were recorded at both population sites. The willow leaf beetle Phratora vitellinae was the most abundant herbivorous insect at both study sites on willow. A field study was conducted to examine the effects of P. vitellinae on the performance of C. lapponica. The presence of P. vitellinae larvae on the same twig upon which C. lapponica larvae were feeding did not affect increase of body weight in C. lapponica larvae. Thus, the high resource availability of both willows and birches suggest that interspecific competition is unlikely to be a selection factor driving the evolution of host shift in C. lapponica.     

Freilanduntersuchungen zur Nahrungsökologie der Spinnen: Beobachtungen aus der Region Zürich

Zusammenfassung Von 1974–1980 wurden in der Umgebung von Zürich (Schweiz) Beobachtungen über die Nahrungsökologie von Spinnen durchgeführt. Die Resultate lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: Sämtliche untersuchten Spinnenarten fraßen ausschließlich an Evertebraten (Insecta, Arachnida, Isopoda, Myriapoda, Lumbricidae). Bei den meisten untersuchten Spinnen bestand die Nahrung zu>90% aus Insekten. Kleine Fluginsekten (Dipteren, Blattläuse) stellen für zahlreiche Spinnen der Vegetationsschicht die Hauptnahrungsquelle dar. Kleine, weichhäutige Insekten (Collembolen, Blattläuse, Dipteren) sind die Nahrungsbasis der dominanten Spinnen der Bodenoberfläche. Ein vom Durchschnitt abweichendes Beutespektrum besitzen die ArtenArgiope bruennichi (Prädator von Heuschrecken u. Bienen),Xysticus cristatus (epigäisch: Prädator von Ameisen u. Spinnen),Achaearanea riparia (Prädator von Amesien u. Käfern),Coelotes terrestris (Prädator von Käfern),Pholcus phalangioides (Prädator von Asseln, Spinnen, Opilioniden etc.). Die untersuchten Spinnenarten weisen unterschiedlich breite Nahrungsspektren auf. So ist beispielsweise das Nahrungsspektrum bei den Trichterspinnen der GattungAgelena weit aufgefächert (polyphag). Im Vergleich dazu hat die TrichterspinneC. terrestris ein enges Beutespektrum (oligophag). Während bei den meisten Spinnenarten die Beutegröße der Räubergröße angepaßt ist (Beutegröße Räubergröße), erlegen einige Spinnenarten (v. a. Familien Thomisidae und Theridiidae) gelegentlich Beutetiere, die größer als sie selber sind. Die Spinnen sind überwiegend Sekundärkonsumenten innerhalb von Herbivoren-Nahrungsketten. Die auf Waldböden lebenden Wolfspinnen greifen zusätzlich auch in Detritus-Nahrungsketten ein. In Flußuferbiotopen ernähren sich Skorpionsfliegen (GattungPanorpa) häufig von Beutetieren in Spinnennetzen (Nahrungsdiebstahl).

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Field studies on the feeding ecology of spiders: Observations in the region of Zurich (Switzerland)

The results of studies on the feeding ecology of spiders from 1974–1980 can be summed up as follows: All species of spiders examined fed exclusively on evertebrates (Insecta, Arachnida, Isopoda, Myriapoda, Lumbricidae). In most cases, more than 90% of the food consisted of insects.Numerous spiders living in the vegetation stratum feed mainly on small flying insects, such as Diptera and aphids. The same is true for the dominant spiders living on the surface of the soil, though their prey spectrum is supplemented by Collembola and apterous aphids. Thus in the average prey spectrum of spiders small insects with a soft cuticle dominate. Exceptions are found withArgiope bruennichi, a predator of grasshoppers and bees,Agelena spp. feeding mainly on relatively large insects,Xysticus cristatus, which, when hunting on the ground, preys on ants and spiders,Achaearanea riparia, preying on ants and beetles,Coelotes terrestris, a specialized predator of beetles, andPholcus phalangioides, preying on wood-lice, spiders, opilionides etc. The prey spectra of the spider species examined vary considerably in breadth. So the food spectrum of the funnel-web spiders of the polyphagous genusAgelena is large compared to that of the oligophagousC. terrestris. Whereas in most spider species the size of their prey is relatively small or only reaches the size of the predator (size of prey size of predator), some species, mainly of Thomisidae and Theridiidae, prey at times upon prey larger than they are.Spiders are secondary consumers belonging predominantly to herbivor food chains. Wolf spiders living on forest grounds intervene also in detritus food chains. Scorpionflies (genusPanorpa) often feed on prey animals in spider webs (food robbery).

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Ausgeführt mit Unterstützung durch den Schweizerischen Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung.     

Allometric models for estimating aboveground biomass of shade trees and coffee bushes grown together

Allometric models for dominant shade tree species and coffee plants (Coffea arabica) were developed for coffee agroforestry systems in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The studied shade tree species were Cordia alliodora, Juglans olanchana, Inga tonduzzi and I. punctata. The models predict aboveground biomass based on diameter at breast height (for trees), and the stem diameter at a height of 15 cm and plant height (for coffee plants). In addition, the specific gravity of the studied species was determined.The total aboveground biomass of the shade trees varied between 3.5 and 386 kg per tree, and between 0.005 and 2.8 kg per plant for coffee. The aboveground biomass components (foliage, branch, and stem) are closely related with diameter at breast height (r > 0.75). The best-fit models for aboveground biomass of the shade trees were logarithmic, with adjusted R ² between 0.71 and 0.97. In coffee plants, a high correlation was found (r = 0.84) with the stem diameter at 15 cm height, and the best-fit model was logarithmic, as well. The mean specific gravity was 0.52 (± 0.11) for trees and 0.82 (± 0.06) for coffee plants.     

Die Auswirkungen verschiedener Insektizide auf die epigäischen Raubarthropoden in Winterrapsfeldern

The effects of Decamethrin, Methoxychlor and Parathion upon the terrestrial predaceous arthropods were studied by pitfall trapping on winter-rape fields in Northern Germany, 1980 and 1981. The treated plots were rectangular and covered an area of 1.5 ha each. They were arranged in two replicates, just as the untreated plots (about 0.5 ha each). The sprays. — forMeligethes aeneus — were applied at the end of April or at the beginning of May, respectively. The insecticides were sprayed with 300 l water per ha at following dosages: Parathion 300 g a.i./ha; Decamethrin 7.5 g a.i./ha; Methoxychlor 600 g a.i./ha. The influence upon the most abundant species was as follows. Parathion: negative effect upon the Carabid species examined and upon the Staphylinids, relative small decrease of the spiders; Methoxychlor: negative effect onLoricera pilicornis, the only abundant Carabid species, and partly on the Staphylinids and the small spiders; Decamethrin: no great effect onLoricera pilicornis, but the Staphylinids were significantly reduced, as well as the small spiders, the number of which was reduced to a large extent for several weeks in both experiments.

The predator species observed were met by the insecticide treatments during their reproductive phase. The large scale use of broad spectrum insecticides can in these cases endanger the existance of predator populations.

     

蚂蚁和真菌关系的研究进展

蚂蚁是陆地生态系统中种类和数量最为丰富的动物类群,与其他许多物种都具有广泛而复杂的联系;其中一些类群与真菌形成古老的共生关系,成为著名的菌食性昆虫.蚂蚁与真菌间的共生关系已具有长达5 000多万年的协同进化历史,迄今已知的与真菌共生的蚂蚁主要为爱特蚁族和火蚁族的种类,而蚂蚁培养的真菌主要属于担子菌亚门伞菌目环柄菇科白环蘑属和白鬼伞属,少数种类属于子囊菌亚门和半知菌亚门.蚂蚁和真菌间形成一个高度进化的单元,相互间存在营养、生理方面以及免疫互助等特点;蚂蚁与真菌间的关系已成为生态学、进化学研究的热点.结合笔者在蚂蚁与真菌关系方面研究的部分进展,对蚂蚁与真菌的关系及其对真菌的利用方式等进行总结和概述,以期为我国在蚂蚁与真菌间关系研究方面提供信息和思路.