| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2006 |
| Authors: | J. C. Moser |
| Journal: | Annals of the Entomological Society of America |
| Volume: | 99 |
| Pagination: | 891-897 |
| Date Published: | September |
| ISBN Number: | 0013-8746 |
| Accession Number: | ZOOREC:ZOOR14304020788 |
| Keywords: | comans, Milichiidae, myrmekophilous, Pholeomyia |
| Abstract: | A medium-sized nest of the Texas leafcutting ant, Atta texana (Buckley), in northern Louisiana was excavated completely, and a three-dimensional model of its external and subterranean features was constructed. In total, 97 fungus gardens, 27 dormancy cavities, and 45 detritus cavities were located. At the lower center of the funnel-shaped nest was a large central cavity, which in winter functions as a domicile for the colony and where the alate brood is reared. Vertical tunnels, possibly as deep as 32 in, may serve as wells leading to the water table. Winter mean annual temperatures within the central cavity may limit the northern geographical range of A. texana to [approximately equal]33[degree] N latitude. The inquilines Attaphila fungicola Wheeler, Pholeomyia comans Sabrosky, Ceuthophilm sp., Lobopoda subcuneatus Campbell, Geomysaprinus nr. formicus (Hinton), species of Aleocharinae, and a species of Annelida were seen in nest cavities and galleries. |
| URL: | <Go to ISI>://ZOOREC:ZOOR14304020788 |