The Biology and Ecology of Macromischoides Aculeatus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) In Cocoa Farms in Ghana

Abstract

The ecology and biology of Macromischoides aculeatus have been studied. The ant was found to be widely distributed in southern Ghana and its distribution overlapped that of the forest zone. In cocoa farms it occurred more commonly and more abundantly in areas with dense shade than in areas of thin shade. Light, predators, homoptera and food availability were found to influence its distribution. It was found to be largely crepusacular and nocturnal. M. aculeatus has been found to be antagonistic to other dominant ants in cocoa farms but could occur together with Crematogaster clariventris on some trees, this depends on a behavioural mechanism. As a predator it utilizes cocoa capsids and other insects, both living and dead, and feeds too on sugars from extrafloral nectaries or from Homoptera. Mites were found as external parasites and nematode worms as internal parasites. Colonies were polydonous and largely monogynous. Population changes are discussed. Alate production uses periodic and flight activity had a peak between April and May when queens founded colonies independently. Presence of brood was found to stimulate nest building in workers. It is suggested that since the ant predates cocoa capsids it could be used as a biological control agent by, at least, encouraging its presence through good cultivational practice rather than, as at present, killing it by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides.