The effect of competitive interactions in host Solenopsis invicta Buren ants on parasitoid phorid fly recruitment was investigated. Competitive interactions in the form of fighting were induced at baits and S. invicta mounds in three pastures in north-central Florida. The relative abundance of Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier flies observed was significantly greater at baits and mounds with fighting than those without. The results of this study provide evidence that Pseudacteon flies may be differentially attracted to the chemical cues released by S. invicta while fighting. This may have important implications for the impact of Pseudacteon flies on S. invicta populations in Florida.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Formicidae Solenopsis invicta (imported fire ant)
Species 2: Diptera Phoridae Pseudacteon
Keywords: Florida
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA