The feeding behaviour of the ghost ants, tapinoma melanocephalum (fabricius) and tapinoma indicum (forel) (hymenoptera: formicidae)
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Date
2007
Authors
Wong, Jing Wen
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Abstract
This thesis focuses on the feeding behaviour of two species of the ghost
ant, namely Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) and Tapinoma indicum
(Forel). The feeding preference, food distribution behaviour and foraging activity
of both species were compared, and several factors that could affect their
responses were explored. In feeding preference studies, food particle size was
found to affect the feeding of the ants, but no effects of concentrations and
viscosities of the food were found. However, ghost ants were found to be
significantly (P < 0.05) attracted to 60% (w/w) sucrose solution with agar
consistency of 0.5%. Saccharose and sucrose in liquid forms were the most
preferred carbohydrate, while proteinaceous foods such as fresh dog food,
lobster cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea) powder, fresh sardine and fresh cat
food were most preferred. On the other hand, egg yolk was the most preferred
lipid source. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in feeding preference was
found between T. melanocephalum and T. indicum in all the evaluations,
indicating that both species showed a similar feeding preference. Ghost ants
showed a constant preference for carbohydrate during the entire 12-week study
period, and colony changes did not affect their preferences. Carbohydrate
satiation, however, caused T. melanocephalum to forage for either lipid, or
proteinaceous food. T. indicum, on the other hand, showed consistent
preference towards carbohydrate food, irrespective of the food type that they
were satiated with. Different concentrations and viscosities of sucrose solution
showed an effect in food-sharing behaviour in the colonies studied. The number
of workers feeding and sharing 60% (w/w) sucrose solution was found to be
higher than 30% (w/w) and 10% (w/w). Besides that, 60% sucrose solution was
distributed and shared most rapidly among the worker ants (with >75% workers
in the colony receiving it within 24 hours). Distribution of proteinaceous and lipid
foods were relatively low and slow in the ant colonies. No queen was found
feeding on protein as the presence of alternate sources of protein in the
colonies such as trophic eggs, sick or dying workers and injured eggs, larvae
and pupae could be possibly affecting the intake of protein through food. Peak
foraging activity for T. melanocephalum under normal colony condition was at
0730, while broodless and queenless colonies did not demonstrate any clear
trend in foraging activity. Colony condition and food type were not affecting the
foraging activity in these two species.
Description
Master
Keywords
Biological science , Feeding behaviour , Ghost ants