Dyed baits distribution in nests of Atta sexdens L.. (Hym., Formicidae)

Dyed baits distribution in colonies of Atta sexdens was studied so as to te st the hypothesis of uniform distribution. Three medium- to large-size (34- 90 m(2)) colonies were used for the experiment; coloured dyed baits materia l was made available at the foraging orifices, which had previously been ma pped out and grouped into three hypothetical sectors. After 24 h the coloni es were killed and the nests excavated; the fungus was removed from each of the chambers for observation of the presence or absence of dyed baits. It was shown that coloured material from each of the different sectors was fou nd in all the fungus chambers, thus confirming the hypothesis.