Patterns of expansion of an invading Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis) population in Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii
Medeiros AC, Cole FR, Loope LL. 1994. Patterns of expansion of an invading Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis) population in Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 75(2):150-151
The Argentine ant, Iridomvrmex humilis, a species with non-flighted queens, occupies two disjunct areas between 2070 m and 2850 m elevation in Haleakala National Park. This alien ant species negatively affects the locally endemic arthropod fauna, including pollinators, which evolved in the absence of ant predation. The Argentine ant was first noted in the lower elevation area in 1968, and in the higher area in 1982. Extremely vigorous ant populations occurred throughout the range in 1984-86. In 1988-89, a sharp decline (>90%) occurred in the lower elevation population, whereas the newer, higher elevation population remained relatively vigorous. A marked expansion in the ant's range was noted in 1993, especially at the higher elevation area, perhaps related to consecutive mild (low rainfall) winters. Newly invaded areas characteristically have high ant populations, whereas previously occupied range is a mosaic of persistent and diminished populations, apparently depending on microhabitat. Unless this ant species is controlled, it appears capable of spreading widely, with potentially catastrophic effects on locally endemic biota. Experimental control efforts are underway with a hydromethylnon/protein bait, using techniques developed for Argentine ant control in agricultural sites in California.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Medeiros, Arthur; Cole, F; Loope, Lloyd
- Units
- HALE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis), Insecticides, Mau`i HI