Effects of a Native Ant, Pristomyrmex pungens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on the Population Dynamics and Spatial Distribution of the Invasive Mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

摘要

The mezlybugPhenacoccus solenopsis has been recently reported as a serious invasive insect pest in China. Earlier investigations suggest that some species of native ants may tend P. solenopsis in the field, and affect the population number and spatialdistribution of P. solenopsis. To confirm this, we studied the relationship between P. solenopsis and the native ant Pristomyrmex pungens on Dendranthema morifolium plants in a garden spot. We found there was a significant positive correlation between population numbers of P solenopsis and P. pungens, and the less the distance from nest, the greater the quantity of P. solenopsis. Additionally, the mean number of P solenopsis increased significantly in the presence of P. pungens. P. solenopsis and P. pungens had strong crowding tendencies and these individuals were attracted to each other on all investigated dates except on August 6. Our results suggest the presence of/? pungens has effects on the population numbers and spatial distribution of P. solenopsis onD. morifolium plants, and this relationship between them may have an important effect on the population explosion and dispersal of the invasive mealybug.