Variation in nest morphology, queen oviposition rates, and fungal species present in incipient colonies of the leaf-cutter ant Atta sexdens

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:30:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-04-03 The success of incipient colonies of leaf-cutter ants depends on multiple factors such as temperature, humidity, soil type, the queen’s fertility and vigor, frequency of harmful microfungi, among others. Based on this observation, three factors related to Atta sexdens were characterized: (1) initial nest morphology (depth and volume); (2) queen oviposition rate; and (3) prevalence of Escovopsis (parasitic fungus) and other fungi in incipient colonies. Our observation showed a variation in chamber dimensions and volume, indicating differences in colony development rates. The oviposition rate of queens from nests of the same age showed a difference among queens. About microfungi prevalence, it was found that many are potentially deleterious. In particular, the parasite Escovopsis was present in 16.7% of the colonies. Our study shows positive correlations between queen condition and nest size/fungus garden size. These correlations collectively suggest that ecological factors such as plant availability can generate substantial variation between nests and thus shape the success of incipient colonies. Laboratory of Entomology Department of Phytotechny and Zootechny State University of Southwestern Bahia [Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia] (UESB) Laboratory of Social Insects-Pests Department of Vegetal Protection School of Agricultural Sciences São Paulo State University [Universidade Estadual Paulista] (UNESP), Postal Code 237 Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology Agronomy Department College of Agricultural Sciences University of Western São Paulo [Universidade do Oeste Paulista] (UNOESTE) Laboratory of Social Insects-Pests Department of Vegetal Protection School of Agricultural Sciences São Paulo State University [Universidade Estadual Paulista] (UNESP), Postal Code 237