Effects of a juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen on monogynous and polygynous colonies of the Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
- Author:
Tay, J.W. and Lee, C.Y.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2015;32(3):453-462
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
To evaluate the effects of the juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen on colonies
of the Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.), peanut oil containing different concentrations
(0.3, 0.6, or 0.9%) of pyriproxyfen was fed to monogynous (1 queen, 500 workers, and 0.1 g of
brood) and polygynous (8 queens, 50 workers, and 0.1 g of brood) laboratory colonies of M.
pharaonis. Due to its delayed activity, pyriproxyfen at all concentrations resulted in colony
elimination. Significant reductions in brood volume were recorded at weeks 3 – 6, and
complete brood mortality was observed at week 8 in all treated colonies. Brood mortality was
attributed to the disruption of brood development and cessation of egg production by queens.
All polygynous colonies exhibited significant reduction in the number of queens present at
week 10 compared to week 1. Number of workers was significantly lower in all treated
colonies compared to control colonies at week 8 due to old-age attrition of the workers
without replacement. At least 98.67 ± 1.33% of workers were dead at week 10 in all treated
colonies. Thus, treatment with slow acting pyriproxyfen at concentrations of 0.3 – 0.9% is an
effective strategy for eliminating Pharaoh ant colonies.
- Full text:W020151207546763758447.pdf
