Natural Parasitism in Acromyrmex landolti Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pastures of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of natural parasitism in Acromyrmex landolti Forel, to identify parasitoids associated to the species and to estimate parasitism rates. The experiment was conducted from January to May 2012 in Itapetinga, BA. A sample comprised of 20 nests was studied. Nests were excavated, eggs, larvae, pupae and adults were removed for counting and parasitism evaluation, isolating adult parasitoids and parasitized ant larvae. Parasitism by Mimopria sp. (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae: Diapriini) occurred in nine nests, with an average rate of 12% of parasitized larvae. It is the first record of parasitism of Mimopria Holmgren in an Attini species.