Mauna Kea ant survey

Author:

Oboyski, Peter, Banko, Paul C.

Title:

Mauna Kea ant survey

Year:

2007

Volume:

2007

Subject:

Ants Mauna Kea

Summary:

Several species of ants have been documented on upper elevations of Mauna Kea such as the Linepithema humile, the argentine ant, the Cardiocondyla venustula, the Pheidole megacephala (the big headed ant), the Tetramorium bicarinatum, the Monomorium pharaonis, the Tapinoma melanocephala, and the Hypoponera opapiceps. However, the L. humile and the P. megacephala are of particular concern due to their aggressive and invasive nature as well as the C. venustula and the L. humile since these have been documented within the boundaries of the core population of the Palila bird, (Loxioides bailleui), a Hawaiian honeycreeper. Since these ants consume arthropods and sugars from flower nectaries, there is concern that the foraging of these ants could reduce the food resources that are available to these birds in the form of insects and spiders. A further concern is that this ant activity may reduce plant productivity which may limit resources such as flowers and seeds that are available to the native bird and insect species. As a result, a control and monitoring plan is outlined herein.

Collection:

Monographs