Event Type

Research Presentation

Academic Department

Environmental Studies

Location

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

Start Date

25-4-2025 1:00 PM

End Date

25-4-2025 2:30 PM

Description

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Leaf cutter Ants (Atta spp.) form highly complex colonies and play a key role in moving nutrients from the canopy to the forest floor in Central and South America and are considered pests in agricultural regions. In order to provide fodder for their underground fungal garden, worker ants will forage during the day and night, though they are considered to be heavier night time foragers (1). In this study, we compared leaf delivery, worker activity, and minim activity along marked foraging trails during the day and night. Activity along 11 foraging trails from five different colonies were studied in primarily agricultural areas in Mera, Pastaza Province Ecuador. We found that ants had significantly higher foraging rates during the day and the presence of minims, the smallest ant caste, were found in equal number in the day and the night.

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Apr 25th, 1:00 PM Apr 25th, 2:30 PM

Diurnal and Nocturnal Patterns of Leaf Cutter Ants (Atta spp.)

Dana Science Building, 2nd floor

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Leaf cutter Ants (Atta spp.) form highly complex colonies and play a key role in moving nutrients from the canopy to the forest floor in Central and South America and are considered pests in agricultural regions. In order to provide fodder for their underground fungal garden, worker ants will forage during the day and night, though they are considered to be heavier night time foragers (1). In this study, we compared leaf delivery, worker activity, and minim activity along marked foraging trails during the day and night. Activity along 11 foraging trails from five different colonies were studied in primarily agricultural areas in Mera, Pastaza Province Ecuador. We found that ants had significantly higher foraging rates during the day and the presence of minims, the smallest ant caste, were found in equal number in the day and the night.