Toxic effects of leaves ofRicinus communis(Euphorbiaceae) to laboratory nests ofAtta sexdens rubropilosa(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

AbstractLaboratory nests of the leaf-cutting antAtta sexdens rubropilosaForel fed daily with leaves ofRicinus communisshowed a gradual decrease in fungal garden volume, a higher ant mortality rate, and fungal garden extinction after 6 weeks. The mean oxygen consumption rate of these ants was higher than that of control ants collected from nests fed with leaves ofEucalyptus alba(Myrtaceae) suggesting one or more components of the leaves ofR. communishad a direct physiological effect on the ants, in addition to inhibiting fungal garden growth.