RESPONSE OF RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT TO MAGNETIC-FIELDS IN THE NEST ENVIRONMENT

Authors
SLOWIK TJ THORVILSON HG GREEN BL
Citation
Tj. Slowik et al., RESPONSE OF RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT TO MAGNETIC-FIELDS IN THE NEST ENVIRONMENT, The Southwestern entomologist, 22(3), 1997, pp. 301-306
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
Entomology
Journal title
The Southwestern entomologist → ACNP
ISSN journal
01471724
Volume
22
Issue
3
Year of publication
1997
Pages
301 - 306
Database
ISI
SICI code
0147-1724(1997)22:3<301:RORIFA>2.0.ZU;2-F
Abstract
Magnetic fields (MFs) were applied to laboratory colonies of the red i mported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, to determine if ant behavi or was affected. Weak, alternating-current electromagnetic fields caus ed fire ant workers to deposit eggs and larvae near the MF source in e xperimental colony containers. Ants did not react to stronger, static MFs, indicating MF type may be important to ant response. Our results reveal that fire ants may use MF information in nesting activities and in orientation.