FORAGING BEHAVIOR AS A DETERMINANT OF ASYMMETRIC COMPETITIVE INTERACTION BETWEEN 2 ANT SPECIES IN A TROPICAL AGROECOSYSTEM

This work is concerned with elucidating competitive interactions between two neotropical ants, Solenopsis geminata and Pheidole radoszkowskii, focusing on their foraging behavior. When released from competition from P. radoszkowskii, S. geminata increased its foraging activity. On the other hand, when released from competition from S. geminata, P. radoszkowskii did not respond, demonstrating asymmetric competition between the two species. Foraging experiments showed that P. radoszkowskii is more efficient at finding food resources, whereas S. geminata is better at defending the resources once they are encountered. These differences in foraging behavior appear to permit the coexistence of these two species. The practical implications of the results for the management of ant communities in tropical agroecosystems is discussed with respect to the potential use of ants as natural enemies.