Nutrient Supplementation to Arboreal Ants: Effects on Trophic Position, Thermal Tolerance, Community Structure and the Interaction with the Host-Tree

Author:

Zuanon Lino A.1ORCID,Leão Ruthe E. O. S.1,Quero Adilson1,Neves Karen C.1ORCID,Vasconcelos Heraldo L.1

Affiliation:

1. Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia 38405-320, MG, Brazil

Abstract

Carbohydrates and proteins are essential to maintain the basic functions of animals. Over the course of one year we conducted a factorial experiment to determine the influence of carbohydrate (sucrose) and protein supplementation on the thermal tolerance, trophic position, overall abundance, species richness and composition, and on the strength of the protective effects of arboreal ants on their host tree (Caryocar brasiliense). Using Azteca ants as a model we found evidence of dietary and thermal plasticity among arboreal ants as colonies supplied with protein increased their trophic level relative to colonies that received no protein. Colonies that received sucrose increased their thermal tolerance on average by 1.5 °C over a six-month period, whereas those that did not receive sucrose did not change their thermal tolerance. Overall ant abundance was lower in control trees than in those that received any nutrient addition treatment. Species richness was also lower in control trees, but those receiving sucrose presented more species than those receiving only protein. There was greater similarity in species composition between the trees that received sucrose than between these and those receiving only protein or just water as control. Trees whose ant colonies received sucrose presented lower levels of leaf damage than those that did not. Overall, these results indicate that food resources can modulate the population and community ecology of arboreal ants as well as their interaction with the host trees. Interestingly, although arboreal ants are thought to be N-limited, it was the supplementation of sucrose—not protein—that elicited most of the responses.

Funder

Brazilian Council of Research and Scientific Development

Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation

Foundation of Research Support of Minas Gerais

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Nature and Landscape Conservation,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous),Ecological Modeling,Ecology

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