Mutualisms and Insect Conservation by Tim R. New

Author:Tim R. New
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Cham

The opportunistic nature of many trophobiotic associations involving ants and Hemiptera increases the difficulties of functional interpretation, not least because considerable numbers of taxa can become involved in various ways. Thus, 28 species of ants tend 10 species of Hemiptera on the Borneo climbing bamboo ( Dinochloa trichogona , Poaceae ) and form some 70 different trophobioses (Mezger and Bluthgen 2007). The most intricate associations involved Dolichoderus ants which, in addition to close associations with mealybugs, also attend other Hemiptera. D. trichogona might be a keystone species for ants in the regional forest understorey, by hosting hemipterans that collectively furnish an important honeydew resource.

Some of the Dolichoderus species have adopted a unique habit leading to their common name of ‘herdsman ants’, which consolidate the mutualisms by carrying mealybugs to new host plants (Dill et al. 2002). At least 12 species of Dolichoderus in south-east Asian rainforests collectively associate with more than 30 species of Allomyrmococcini, with associated colonisation of new feeding sites and plants aided by the ants solely forming bivouac nests rather than any more permanent or solid structures. Study of Dolichoderus cuspidatus attending Malaicoccus formicarii (Maschwitz and Hanel 1985) confirmed the mutualistic nature of the interaction, as (1) ant colonies deprived of the mealybug died out because of competition from other ants and dependence on the bugs for food, and (2) ant-less mealybugs were also not viable. Portage of the mealybugs is very frequent, with an average of more than 10% of ants on trails at all times carrying Malaicoccus individuals. Any disturbance to the bugs may stimulate ants to move them, and the ants also react aggressively to other arthropods approaching the feeding sites. Movements of nests may occur as frequently as once or twice a week, with nest site shifts associated strongly with changing feeding sites. This case has drawn considerable attention due to its novelty.

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