Foraging behavior of fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Felis catus Linnaeus (Carnivora, Felidae) carcass

Abstract

Solenopsis saevissima fire ants were found foraging in a Felis catus carcass over tissues an secretions present in holes and mucosa. The ants built a dirt-made physical structure around the carcass, which prevented necrophagous flies from laying eggs in the body. These observations are relevant to increasing knowledge on the role of this ant genus in the decaying process of other animal corpses, including humans.