Native ants vary in their use of seeds from a recently introduced myrmecochorous exotic plant

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Abstract

Myrmecochory is a common mutualism between ants and plants benefiting both partners: ants obtain a nutrient-rich food source, while plants enjoy a host of benefits ranging from enhanced dispersal to protected germination sites. However, this mutualism can be exploited by invasive myrmecochores, where native ants spread invasive plant seeds, possibly to the detriment of native plant assemblages. With the recent introduction of a potentially invasive myrmecochorous plant (Thesium ramosum) in Alberta, Canada, we tested ant interest in T. ramosum. To evaluate both general interest in T. ramosum as a food source, and preference for T. ramosum over other food sources, we collected colonies of four commonly occurring native Formica species and conducted seed removal trials and food preference trials. We then evaluated interest in and preference for T. ramosum seeds through assessing mean rate of seed removal and food item removal, total number of seeds and food items removed, and trends in seed and food item removal through time. We found that while all ant species tested showed interest in T. ramosum, interest level varied among species, and additional factors such as colony size and presence of host species in socially parasitic species influenced interest in T. ramosum. Considering native ant interest in T. ramosum as a food source, it seems plausible that Formica species may act as a dispersal vector for T. ramosum, potentially enhancing its invasiveness.

Identifier

85188508789 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Arthropod-Plant Interactions

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-024-10046-9

e-ISSN

18728847

ISSN

18728855

First Page

479

Last Page

492

Issue

3

Volume

18

Fund Ref

Alberta Conservation Association

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS