Although L. brunneus can establish symbiotic relationships with several species of aphids, a strict trophobiosis with the aphid Stomaphis quercus L., a new species of aphid for Sardinia, was observed. The honeydew of the aphid is the major food source for L. brunneus which actively tends, protects and transports its host. The presence of the ant with its host was detected in three on four of the study sites which are located at around 650 m a.s.l.. The infestation varied from 2 to 4 % of the observed plants (400 trees in total) but the bark of the infested plants was seriously damaged with losses close to 100 %.
Lasius brunneus e Stomaphis quercus trofobionti dannosi alle sugherete sarde
Marcello Verdinelli;
2011
Abstract
Although L. brunneus can establish symbiotic relationships with several species of aphids, a strict trophobiosis with the aphid Stomaphis quercus L., a new species of aphid for Sardinia, was observed. The honeydew of the aphid is the major food source for L. brunneus which actively tends, protects and transports its host. The presence of the ant with its host was detected in three on four of the study sites which are located at around 650 m a.s.l.. The infestation varied from 2 to 4 % of the observed plants (400 trees in total) but the bark of the infested plants was seriously damaged with losses close to 100 %.File in questo prodotto:
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