The apparent establishment and subsequent eradication of the Australian giant bulldog ant, Myrmecia brevinoda Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in New Zealand.

摘要

In March 1981, quarantine authorities were notified of an unusual ant found in Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand. The nest and a number of ants (workers, males, larvae and pupae) were collected from an entry hole, and approximately 6 litres of chlordane were added to the area and the hole subsequently filled, then sealed with asphalt. The area was revisited in the following weeks to examine surviving ants. Myrmecia brevinoda was not detected in 2 subsequent visits to the site following chlordane treatment. The possible presence of Myrmecia brevinoda was also surveyed in the area (mainly urban residential housing, but also included beaches, parks, and reserves containing grassland and some remnant forests) using several assessment techniques, including visual searches, pitfall traps, and a reward for discovery posted to local residents. Specimens of Myrmecia brevinoda were not found, but ants of 12 species were collected (Doleromyrma darwiniana, Iridomyrmex anceps, Linepithema humile, Ochetellus glaber, Technomyrmex albipes, Paratrechina vaga, Monomorium fieldi, Pheidole rugosula, Solenopsis sp., Tetramorium bicarinatum, Tetramorium grassii and Hypoponera eduardi) from the sites. Given the results of this survey and the absence of other reports of Myrmecia brevinoda over the last 24 years, Myrmecia brevinoda is considered to be extinct or eradicated in New Zealand..