Palatability of baits containing (S)-methoprene to Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Authors

  • Michelle P. Montgomery Hawaii Ant Lab, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
  • Cas Vanderwoude Hawaii Ant Lab, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
  • A. Jasmyn J. Lynch Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Keywords:

little fire ant, Tango™, protein adjuvant, recruitment

Abstract

Wasmannia auropunctata Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), little fire ant, is recognized as a serious pest ant species that affects agriculture, homes, gardens, and natural ecosystems in Hawaii, USA, and elsewhere. Anecdotal evidence suggests that insecticidal baits containing (S)- methoprene are not effective against this species. We examined whether W. auropunctata is repelled by bait formulations containing this compound and whether the addition of torula yeast (Candida utilis Lodder; Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae) increased palatability of these baits. Wasmannia auropunctata was found to be repelled by (S)-methoprene concentrations as low as 0.25% regardless of formulation. The addition of torula yeast (3% by weight) significantly increased worker recruitment to baits with and without (S)-methoprene. Our results indicate bait formulations using (S)-methoprene are likely to offer poor efficacy against Wasmannia auropunctata without the addition of a feeding stimulant such as torula yeast due to repellency of the active ingredient

 

Resumen

Wasmannia auropunctata Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), hormiga pequeña de fuego, se reconoce como una especie plaga de hormiga plaga que afecta seria a la agricultura, los hogares, los jardines y los ecosistemas naturales en Hawai y en otras partes. La evidencia anecdótica sugiere que los cebos insecticidas que contienen metopreno-(S) no son eficaces contra esta especie. Exa­minamos si W. auropunctata es repelido por formulaciones de cebo que contienen este compuesto y si la adición de levadura de torula (Candida utilis Lodder; Saccharomycetales: Saccharomycetaceae) aumenta la palatabilidad de estos cebos. Se encontró que Wasmannia auropunctata es repelido por concentraciones tan bajas como 0.25% de metopreno-(S) independientemente de la for­mulación. La adición de la levadura de torula (3% en peso) aumentó significativamente el reclutamiento trabajadores para cebos con y sin metopreno-(S). Nuestros resultados indican que las formulaciones de cebo usando metopreno-(S) son propensos a ofrecer una pobre eficacia contra Wasmannia auropunctata, si no se le adiciona de un estimulante de la alimentación tales como la levadura de torula debido a la repelencia del ingrediente activo.

 

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Issue

Vol. 98, No. 2 (June 2015)

Section

Research Papers

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