Population dynamics of weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in mango (Mangifera indica) and zapota

Abstract

Weaver ants are very aggressive and will prey on many of the arthropods entering their territory. A study was conducted to assess the population dynamics of Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius on mango and sapota trees in the orchard of Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, india. From the study, it was evident that in highest number of green nests (13.10/tree) and dry nests (6.00) were found in mango during February and March. The number was minimum in December, May and June. Leaf pavilion was 0.10 in June and 0.00 in all other months. Total number of nests were more during February (17.70) and less in December (0.60). In sapota, highest number of green and dry nests were found in September and March as 19.75 and 17.75 respectively. Lowest number of green nest and dry nest were present in April and October as 1.00 and 0.50 respectively. Leaf pavilion was 0.00 in all the months. Total number of nests were highest during September (26.25) and lowest during November (1.25).