Influences of temperature, relative humidity and light intensity on the foraging activity of field populations of the longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

摘要

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the foraging activity of field populations of the longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith) and environmental parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and light intensity. Results revealed that foraging activity of A. gracilipes was weakly, but significantly (P<0.05) correlated to ambient temperature (r2=0.2025) and relative humidity (r2=0.2105). However, light intensity did not significantly (P>0.05) affect their foraging activity. The ants foraged most intensively between the temperatures of 26 degrees C and 30 degrees C with the peak foraging activity at 1000 h (10:00 AM).