Myrmecofauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Present in Vineyards Infested with Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in Southern Brazil

• Published in: The Florida entomologist Vol. 100; no. 3; pp. 551 - 557
• Main Authors: Nondillo, Aline, Arioli, Cristiano João, Wild, Alexander, Bueno, Odair Correa, Botton, Marcos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lutz Florida Entomological Society 01.09.2017
• Subjects: ant; Ants; cochonilha; Dispersion; Eurhizococcus brasiliensis; Farms; Fauna; Formicidae; formiga; Hemiptera; Hymenoptera; Laboratories; levantamento; Linepithema micans; Margarodidae; Marine fishes; Pest control; Pests; Pitfall traps; RESEARCH PAPERS; soil scale; Species; survey; Vineyards; Wineries & vineyards; Brazil; Rio Grande do Sul Brazil; California; United States > US
• ISSN: 0015-4040; 1938-5102
• DOI: 10.1653/024.100.0310

Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) is among the principal pests of Brazilian vineyards. Establishment and spread of this species in vineyards are associated with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). This study determined the diversity of the ant fauna in E. brasiliensis infested vineyards in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the main grape-producing states in Brazil. Underground pitfall traps baited with a honey—water solution and sardines were used to sample ants in the spring—summer and fall—winter periods. Twenty-eight species of ants were identified in Rio Grande do Sul and 15 in Santa Catarina. Linepithema micans (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was the most frequent and abundant species collected in vineyards in both states. Control strategies for ants associated with the spread of E. brasiliensis should focus on L. micans in vineyards.