Abstract

JOFRE, Laura E.  and  MEDINA, Ana I.. Foraging activity patterns and nest size of Acromyrmex lobicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in an urban zone of San Luis, Argentina. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2012, vol.71, n.1-2, pp.37-44. ISSN 0373-5680.

Many factors can affect the foraging activity of leaf-cutting ants. However, climatic factors, especially temperature, could be considered the most important in temperate regions. In this work, we measured foraging activity and nest size in four colonies of Acromyrmex lobicornis Emery located in Juana Koslay, San Luis. Foraging activity was determined by the number of ants carrying plant fragments that entered the nest per unit time during a year. In each opportunity air and soil temperature were measured. To estimate nest size we used foraging area, mound diameter and number of workers in each colony Foraging activity and air and soil temperature correlated in every month of the year except February, July and December. However, the correlation was positive during October, May, June, August and September, and negative in November, January, March and April. The nests showed activity all the year, but diurnal in winter and nocturnal in summer. The temperature and the nest size are factors that influence the foraging activity of A. lobicornis.

Keywords : Leaf-cutting ants; Attini; Acromyrmex; Foraging patterns; Nest size.

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