Predation of Fruit Fly LarvaeAnastrepha(Diptera: Tephritidae) by Ants in Grove

Abstract

Based on evidence that ants are population regulatory agents, we examined their efficiency in predation of fruit fly larvaeAnastrephaSchiner, 1868 (Diptera: Tephritidae). Hence, we considered the differences among species of fruit trees, the degree of soil compaction, and the content of soil moisture as variables that would explain predation by ants because these variables affect burying time of larvae. We carried out the experiment in an orchard containing various fruit bearing trees, of which the guava (Psidium guajavaLinn.), jaboticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba(Vell.) Berg.), and mango trees (Mangifera indicaLinn.) were chosen for observations ofAnastrepha. We offered liveAnastrephalarvae on soil beneath the tree crowns. We observed for 10 min whether ants removed the larvae or the larvae buried themselves. Eight ant species were responsible for removing 1/4 of the larvae offered. ThePheidoleWestwood, 1839 ants were the most efficient genus, removing 93% of the larvae. In compacted and dry soils, the rate of predation by ants was greater. Therefore, this study showed that ants, along with specific soil characteristics, may be important regulators of fruit fly populations and contribute to natural pest control in orchards.