Predation by carpenter ants: A deterrent to the spread of cinnabar moth

Authors

  • Judith H. Myers Institute of Animal Resource Ecology University of British Columbia Vancouver, B.C.
  • Barbara J. Campbell Department of Plant Science University of British Columbia Vancouver, B.C.

Keywords:

carpenter ants, Cinnabar moth, biological control, tansy ragwort

Abstract

Cinnabar moth, an introduced biological control agent for tansy ragwort, suffers heavy predation by carpenter ants in recently logged areas of Oregon. We suggest that this mortality factor will reduce the spread of Cinnabar moth, thus preventing it from attacking a major seed source of tansy ragwort and reducing its potential as a biological control agent. Single larvae escape predation by ants more often than those in groups which suggests that carpenter ant predation may select for larval dispersal.

References

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Published

2019-08-28

Issue

Vol. 73 (1976): Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia

Section

Articles

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