Aphid And Fire Ant Species: Solenopsis Invicta

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Recommended: Ant observation

Cody Mascho
Dr. Piechnik
Entomology
November 11, 2014
Journal article review
Impact Factor: This article, since its publication, has been sited on 93 separate occasions.
Lach, L., Parr, C. L., & Abott, K. L. (2010). Ant ecology. Oxford University Press.
Introduction:
In this specific study, the species of aphids known as Aphis gossypii, and the species of fire ants known as Solenopsis invicta are being examined. This study is observing the relationship between the aphid and fire ant. It is thought that the ant species protects the aphids because of the sugary substance, known as honeydew, which they leave behind. This honeydew serves as a main food source for the ants because of its high nutritional value that can help stabilize the colony and allow it to grow. Additionally, this study was conducted on the previous …show more content…

The first experiment was an investigation of ant tending. In this experiment, cages were created that housed each cotton plant each. These cages were than connected by plastic tubing and a pan that held the fire ants. One cotton plant was invested with aphids. Consequently, the other cotton plant in this experiment was absent of aphids. The ants and plants were observed over a 24hr period. At the end of the 24hrs, each of the cotton plants were collected, placed in bags, and put in a freezer for another 24hrs. This experiment was reproduced six times. The second experiment was an aphid- predator survival study. Cages were produced the same way as in the first experiment. Four different cages were created. The first cage contained just cotton aphids. The second cage held both cotton aphids and fire ants. The third cage contained cotton aphids and predator larvae, which varied between trials. Lastly, the fourth cage held cotton aphids, fire ants, and also predator larvae. 24hrs after these cages were created they were chopped down, put into bags, and froze for another 24hr

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