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1 February 2006 Effects of Colony Composition and Food Type on Nutrient Distribution in Colonies of Monomorium orientale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Pooi-Yen Loke, Chow-Yang Lee, Pooi-Yen Loke, Chow-Yang Lee
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Abstract

Monomorium orientale Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a common structure- and food-infesting ant in Asia. There is only limited information on the biology and habits of this species, especially on the preferred foods and distribution of nutrients in colonies. We conducted a laboratory study on the distribution of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, which were represented by respective food sources, in M. orientale colonies. Three colony conditions were applied: normal, with a balanced ratio of castes, queenless (only workers and brood), and broodless (only queens and workers). Food sources were stained to track the flow of the respective food in the colonies. Results revealed that carbohydrates had rapid distribution, with >60% of the colony indicated in 24 h, in all colony conditions. Queens in all colonies did not feed on protein. Protein showed a more delayed distribution in the brood in all colony conditions; <10% of the colony fed on protein by 24 h. Only queens in broodless colonies showed signs of feeding on lipid, with <10% indicated in 24 h. Workers in all colonies fed on lipid as soon as it was delivered, whereas the brood only began to reveal feeding response after 24 h.

Pooi-Yen Loke, Chow-Yang Lee, Pooi-Yen Loke, and Chow-Yang Lee "Effects of Colony Composition and Food Type on Nutrient Distribution in Colonies of Monomorium orientale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)," Journal of Economic Entomology 99(1), 129-133, (1 February 2006). https://doi.org/10.1603/0022-0493(2006)099[0129:EOCCAF]2.0.CO;2
Received: 2 April 2005; Accepted: 15 September 2005; Published: 1 February 2006
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KEYWORDS
colony composition
food distribution
food type
Monomorium orientale
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