Zombie fire ant workers: Behavior controlled by decapitating fly parasitoids
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2007
Abstract
Laboratory observations were conducted on four separate red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, colonies that contained workers parasitized by the decapitating fly, Pseudacteon tricuspis. Parasitized S. invicta workers remained inside the nest during parasitoid larval development and left the nest approximately 8-10 hours before decapitation by the parasitoid. When parasitized ants left the nest, they were highly mobile, were responsive to tactile stimuli, and showed minimal defensive behavior. Ants ultimately entered into a grass thatch layer, where they were decapitated and the fly maggots pupariated. This study reveals that parasitized ants exhibit behaviors that are consistent with host manipulation to benefit survival of the parasitoid. © 2007 Birkhäuser Verlag.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Insectes Sociaux
First Page
150
Last Page
153
Recommended Citation
Henne, D., & Johnson, S. (2007). Zombie fire ant workers: Behavior controlled by decapitating fly parasitoids. Insectes Sociaux, 54 (2), 150-153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-007-0924-y