The Effect of Ants on Membracid Nymph Growth Patterns: Size and Developmental Rate
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Authors
Howard, Jacqueline
Issue Date
2008
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The relationship between F. obscuripes and the membracid nymph is crucial to the survival of the nymphs because the nymphs (being much smaller and less mobile than adults) are more susceptible to predation. The presence of ants has a positive effect on the abundance and survivorship of membracid nymphs.
Ant-tending for two Homoptera species has been found to shorten the time spent during development and therefore possibly increase growth rate of the membracid nymph. The presence of F. obscuripes increases the size of the P. modesta membracid nymphs significantly more than when the ants are absent. However, from these findings, it is unclear as to whether the nymphs with ants present are bigger because they are at a later instar, or because they are bigger for a given instar. An increased size in most insects has been found to increase fitness, fecundity, success in overwintering, and decrease predation dangers.
Description
1 Broadside. Original created in Microsoft PowerPoint. 48"W x 36"H
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.