Laboratory investigations to evaluate the possible use of brood Pheromones of the leaf-cutting ant <i>Atta cephalotes</i> (L.) (Formicidae, Attini) as a component in an attractive bait

Abstract

Abstract In experiments with laboratory-maintained colonies of Atta cephalotes (L.) the responses of foraging workers to brood and brood extracts encountered outside the nest were assessed. Ants returned many of the brood to the nest from about one metre, but few from eight metres; any not returned were dumped over the edge of the foraging table. Living and dead pupae were not distinguished by the ants, but to some extent living and dead larvae were. There was some evidence that brood from their own and from other nests were also distinguished. Attempts were made to simulate brood, using extracts and homogenates on filter paper discs, but in no case did the responses suggest that brood pheromones could be used as arrestants in leaf-cutting ant baits.