DOCSLIB.ORG

Species-Specific Conservation Analyses and Conditions for Coverage

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Section 4 Tricolored Blackbird Tricolored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor USFWS: Federal Species of Concern (former Category 2 Candidate) CDFG: Species of Special Concern MHCP: Obligate Wetlands Species Conservation Goals Ensure persistence of the tricolored blackbird in the plan area. Enhance habitat quality and increase the number of breeding colonies and total population size in the plan area. Contribute to regional population viability and species recovery. Conservation Strategy Conserve existing tricolored blackbird wetlands breeding habitat and grasslands foraging habitat, and tricolored blackbird point localities in the MHCP. Include within the open space preserve system existing populations of tricolored blackbird and other potential habitat. Provide appropriate upland buffers (minimum of 50 feet and up to 100 feet wide where possible) for all known populations. Protect potential grasslands foraging habitat in vicinity of breeding habitat. Facilitate coordination of local, state, and federal conservation and management actions for this species. Summary of Findings and Conditions for Coverage Findings. [TBD by wildlife agencies in the Biological Opinion after MHCP public review.] Achievement of Conservation Goals. Current levels of conservation expected under the current MHCP FPA and guidelines do not meet the conservation goals for this species. Few large grassland areas or agricultural areas will be conserved near potential nesting habitats. Only about 31% of the extant grasslands in the study area are expected to be conserved, and the plan does not protect agricultural lands from development. Critical grassland areas near marsh habitats are partially conserved and will become further fragmented. Conditions. Not applicable. Background Distribution, Abundance, and Trends. The tricolored blackbird distribution is centered in the Sacramento/San Joaquin valleys of California. The species is a common to abundant, but highly localized resident in SanDiego County (Beedy et al. 1991; Unitt 1984). Within the MHCP area, documented tricolored blackbird locations include San Luis Rey River/Pilgrim Creek; Buena Vista, Batiquitos, and San Elijo lagoons; and Kit Carson Park in Escondido (see MHCP Database Records Map). This species breeds colonially in freshwater marsh and riparian scrub habitats and forms large nomadic flocks in fall and winter. Tricolored blackbirds feed in grasslands and agricultural fields adjacent to the nesting colony. There are no known major populations or critical locations in the plan area; however, because this species is nomadic and colonies occur sporadically, major populations and critical locations are difficult to identify. PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT MHCP VOL. II 4-401 314552000 Note: This map only indicates recorded locations in the GIS database and may not represent the true distribution of the species. This map is intended for general display purposes only. The information Camp Pendleton on this map should not be used for site specific planning. For more specific location information, refer to the 1" = 4,000' scale species distribution maps. Daley Vista Ranch Oceanside Buena Vista Lagoon San Recorded Locations Aqua Hedionda Marcos Lagoon Escondido Carlsbad Natural Habitats Generalized Subarea Plan Boundary Major Roads Batiquitos Lagoon Major Streams Lake Hodges San Pasqual Valley Encinitas Tricolored blackbird MHCP Database Records Feet 0 8,500 17,000 San Elijo Lagoon Kilometers 2.04 4.08 Solana San Diego Beach ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS Source: MHCP Species San Dieguito April 3, 2001 database, 1999 Lagoon Section 4 Tricolored Blackbird Threats and Limiting Factors. The number and size of tricolored blackbird breeding colonies have declined with loss of wetland habitats. The state population size is less than 10,000, an 89% decline since the 1930s. This species is also vulnerable to contamination of wetlands, human disturbance, and massive nest loss by a large number of avian and mammalian predators (Beedy et al. 1991). Special Considerations. Most San Diego County breeding sites are used on an irregular or inconsistent schedule as a result of this species’ highly nomadic behavior. Conservation Analysis Conservation and Take Levels. The maximum conservation of the riparian ecological community and the lagoon and marsh ecological community (Section 3.2) might benefit this species by protecting potential nesting habitat. However, the low level of conservation of the grassland community required for foraging will not benefit this species. All riparian scrub and freshwater marsh nesting habitat is 100% conserved, while only 31% of grassland foraging habitat is expected to be conserved. The plan neither encourages nor discourages conversion of agricultural lands to other land uses, relative to existing conditions, but availability of agricultural areas for foraging is also likely to decrease over time as cities continue to develop. Most point localities (5 of 7, 71%) will be conserved (Table 4-63). Preserve Configuration Issues. While the MHCP preserve does not affect the ability of this species to disperse to suitable breeding habitat relative to existing conditions, a substantial amount of potential grasslands foraging habitat will not be protected. Much of the grassland habitat that will be lost is within reasonable foraging distance (up to 4miles) of the nesting habitat (Orians 1961). Riparian species are especially vulnerable to edge effects due to the linear nature of riparian habitat (high edge-to- core area ratio). Therefore, substantial upland buffers should be provided wherever possible. Effects on Population Viability and Species Recovery. Implementation of the MHCP will protect a substantial portion of the potential breeding habitat for the species in the plan area, but available foraging habitat within the plan area will decline substantially. Provided that substantial foraging habitat will remain on Camp Pendleton and in unincorporated areas within 4 miles of breeding habitat in the plan area, tricolored blackbird populations are expected to be maintained within the plan area. The MHCP preserve and policies will maintain consistency with other recovery planning and management goals for species. Special Considerations. Sufficient grassland and agricultural foraging habitat is necessary in the general vicinity of nesting colonies. Adaptive Management Program In addition to conserving habitat, the MHCP will integrate the following monitoring and management actions into an adaptive management program for this species. Monitoring results will help refine the management program described below so that management activities can be adjusted to maximize species recovery potential. Management actions for the tricolored blackbird within the MHCP should coordinate with existing programs to ensure compatibility of monitoring results and prevent duplication of efforts. This MHCP conservation analysis assumes the following monitoring and management actions will be implemented by the MHCP adaptive management program. PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT MHCP VOL. II 4-403 314552000 Section 4 Tricolored Blackbird Table 4-63 SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION FOR TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD Habitat Acres Conserved1 Location Points City Net Acres (%) BCLA Acres (%) Conserved2 Carlsbad 1,033 (56%) 967 (57%) 2 (100%) Encinitas 435 (83%) 413 (87%) 1 (100%) Escondido 541 (71%) 428 (83%) 1 (50%) Oceanside 1,271 (51%) 940 (57%) 1 (50%) San Marcos 202 (25%) 74 (35%) None known Solana Beach 3 (100%) 3 (100%) None known Vista 160 (19%) 93 (50%) None known MHCP Total3 3,645 (50%) 2,918 (62%) 5 of 7 (71%) 1 Habitat includes riparian scrub, freshwater marsh, and grassland vegetation communities. Not all grasslands may be within suitable distance to breeding habitat. 2 Approximate number of known location points expected to be conserved based on the applicable calculation rules described in Section 2.2. The percentage in parentheses estimates the overall conservation level as a weighted average for all points, where each point is first assigned a conservation level based on location (e.g., inside or outside FPA) and species type (e.g., narrow endemic or wetland obligate). 3 Numbers may not total due to rounding. PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT MHCP VOL. II 4-404 314552000 Section 4 Tricolored Blackbird Monitoring. Using survey protocols to be determined in the MHCP monitoring plan, periodically monitor conserved populations and potential habitat of tricolored blackbird with an intensity and frequency appropriate to detect changes in population size and habitat quantity and quality. Required Conservation and Management Actions. The following management actions may be required to ensure species persistence within the plan area, contribute to regional species viability, and further recovery. This analysis therefore assumes that one or more of these actions will be implemented if monitoring indicates that such actions are warranted and feasible to meet MHCP and species recovery goals. Any project that will have unavoidable direct or indirect impacts to tricolored blackbird or their habitat shall be required to compensate by one or more of these actions: 1. Restrict activities within the preserve that could degrade tricolored blackbird habitat. These activities include human disturbance, habitat alteration of breeding and foraging areas, predation by introduced feral and domestic animals (e.g., dogs and cats), adverse changes in water level, water quantity and quality, and introduction of pesticides and other contaminants into preserve wetlands. 2. Restrict human access to
Recommended publications
  • Appendix 3.3 - Wildlife Within Local Watersheds1

    Appendix 3.3 - Wildlife Within Local Watersheds1

    Appendix 3.3 - Wildlife within Local Watersheds1 2 Scientific Name Common Name Habitat AMPHIBIANS Bufo boreas western toad U/W Bufo microscaphus californicus arroyo southwestern toad W Hyla cadaverina California tree frog W Hyla regilla Pacific tree frog W Rana aurora draytonii California red-legged frog W Rana catesbeiana bullfrog W Scaphiopus hammondi western spadefoot W Taricha torosa torosa coast range newt W BIRDS Accipiter cooperi Cooper's hawk U Accipiter striatus velox sharp-shinned hawk U Aechmorphorus occidentalis western grebe W Agelaius phoeniceus red-winged blackbird U/W Agelaius tricolor tri-colored blackbird W Aimophila ruficeps canescens rufous-crowned sparrow U Aimophilia belli sage sparrow U Aiso otus long-eared owl U/W Anas acuta northern pintail W Anas americana American wigeon W Anas clypeata northern shoveler W Anas crecca green-winged teal W Anas cyanoptera cinnamon teal W Anas discors blue-winged teal W Anas platrhynchos mallard W Aphelocoma coerulescens scrub jay U Aquila chrysaetos canadensis golden eagle U Ardea herodius great blue heron W Bombycilla cedrorum cedar waxwing U Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern W Branta canadensis Canada goose W Bubo virginianus great horned owl U Buteo jamaicensis red-tailed hawk U Buteo lineatus red-shouldered hawk U Buteo regalis ferruginous hawk U Butorides striatus green heron W Callipepla californica California quail U Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis San Diego cactus wren U Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegoense cactus wren U Carduelis lawrencei Lawrence's
  • Field Guide of Common Ants

    Field Guide of Common Ants

    J U L Y / A U G 2 0 0 3 N P M A L I B R A R Y U P D A T E Insert this update into the NPMA Pest Management Library, which can be Updatepurchased from the Resource Center. phone: 703-573-8330 fax: 703-573-4116 Common Ants: A Pull-Out Guide for Use in the Field This Library Update is designed to of acrobat ants. Workers are 1/16” to 1/8” assist technicians in identification and in length and are normally brown to control of ants while servicing accounts. black in color. The pedicel, or front joint This update is not designed for of the abdomen has two nodes or instruction in basic ant biology, segments. Looking down on the ant nomenclature of the anatomy of the ant, under hand lens magnification, one pair or to be used as a key. For more detailed of spines is found on the thorax. Various information on those topics, refer to the species of acrobat ants are found Field Guide or other technical materials. throughout the United States. In the field, a great aid to identification Acrobat ants are named for their is the use of a hand lens. Many of these tendency to raise their abdomens in the ants are small and positive identification air when disturbed. As the abdomen is is not easy without a hand lens. This heart shaped and is frequently black and article focuses on common, non-wood- shiny, the acrobat motion is readily destroying ants, including: acrobat, observable.
  • Body Size, Not Phylogenetic Relationship Or Residency, Drives Interspecific Dominance in a Little Pocket Mouse Community

    Body Size, Not Phylogenetic Relationship Or Residency, Drives Interspecific Dominance in a Little Pocket Mouse Community

    Animal Behaviour 137 (2018) 197e204 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Animal Behaviour journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/anbehav Body size, not phylogenetic relationship or residency, drives interspecific dominance in a little pocket mouse community * Rachel Y. Chock a, , Debra M. Shier a, b, Gregory F. Grether a a Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. b Recovery Ecology, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA, U.S.A. article info The role of interspecific aggression in structuring ecological communities can be important to consider Article history: when reintroducing endangered species to areas of their historic range that are occupied by competitors. Received 6 September 2017 We sought to determine which species is the most serious interference competitor of the endangered Initial acceptance 6 November 2017 Pacific pocket mouse, Perognathus longimembris pacificus, and more generally, whether interspecific Final acceptance 1 December 2017 aggression in rodents is predicted by body size, residency status or phylogenetic relatedness. We carried out simulated territory intrusion experiments between P. longimembris and four sympatric species of MS. number: A17-00719 rodents (Chaetodipus fallax, Dipodomys simulans, Peromyscus maniculatus, Reithrodontomys megalotis)ina field enclosure in southern California sage scrub habitat. We found that body size asymmetries strongly Keywords: predicted dominance, regardless of phylogenetic relatedness or the residency status of the individuals. aggression The largest species, D. simulans, was the most dominant while the smallest species, R. megalotis, was the dominance least dominant to P. longimembris. Furthermore, P. longimembris actively avoided encounters with all interference competition Perognathus longimembris species, except R.
  • Taxonomy and Distribution of the Argentine Ant, Linepithema Humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

    Taxonomy and Distribution of the Argentine Ant, Linepithema Humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

    SYSTEMATICS Taxonomy and Distribution of the Argentine Ant, Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ALEXANDER L. WILD Department of Entomology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616 Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 97(6): 1204Ð1215 (2004) ABSTRACT The taxonomy of an invasive pest species, the Argentine ant, is reviewed. Linepithema humile (Mayr) 1868 is conÞrmed as the valid name for the Argentine ant. Morphological variation and species boundaries of L. humile are examined, with emphasis on populations from the antÕs native range in southern South America. Diagnoses and illustrations are provided for male, queen, and worker castes. Collection records of L. humile in South America support the idea of a native distribution closely associated with major waterways in lowland areas of the Parana´ River drainage, with recent intro- ductions into parts of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. KEY WORDS Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, taxonomy, invasive species THE ARGENTINE ANT, Linepithema humile (Mayr) 1868, MCSN, MCZC, MHNG, MZSP, NHMB, NHMW, and is among the worldÕs most successful invasive species. USNM; see below for explanation of abbreviations). This native South American insect has become a cos- Taxonomic confusion over L. humile extends be- mopolitan pest, particularly in the Mediterranean cli- yond museum collections. At least one important mates of North America, Chile, South Africa, Austra- study, seeking to explain Argentine ant population lia, and southern Europe (Suarez et al. 2001). regulation in the native range through phorid para- Argentine ants have been implicated in the decline of sitism (Orr and Seike 1998), initially targeted the native arthropod (Cole et al. 1992) and vertebrate wrong Linepithema species (Orr et al.
  • Draft Environmental Assessment of Marine Geophysical Surveys by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth for the Southern California Collaborative Offshore Geophysical Survey

    Draft Environmental Assessment of Marine Geophysical Surveys by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth for the Southern California Collaborative Offshore Geophysical Survey

    DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF MARINE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS BY THE R/V MARCUS G. LANGSETH FOR THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COLLABORATIVE OFFSHORE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY Submitted to: National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 725 Arlington, VA 22230 Submitted by: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD 8675 Discovery Way La Jolla, CA 92023 Contact: Professor Neal Driscoll 858.822.5026; [email protected] Prepared by: Padre Associates, Inc. 5290 Overpass Road, Suite 217 Goleta, CA 93113 June 2012 Southern California Collaborative Offshore Geophysical Survey (SCCOGS) Environmental Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED ................................................................................................... 1 2.0 ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING PROPOSED ACTION ...................................................... 6 2.1 PROPOSED ACTION ......................................................................................... 6 2.2 PROJECT LOCATION ........................................................................................ 6 2.3 PROJECT ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................... 6 2.3.1 Mobilization and Demobilization .............................................................. 9 2.3.2 Offshore Survey Operations .................................................................... 9 2.3.2.1 Survey Vessel Specifications ..................................................... 10 2.3.2.2 Air Gun Description ...................................................................
  • The Case of the Argentine Ant in Vineyards of Northern Argentina

    The Case of the Argentine Ant in Vineyards of Northern Argentina

    insects Article Growing Industries, Growing Invasions? The Case of the Argentine Ant in Vineyards of Northern Argentina Maria Schulze-Sylvester 1,* ID , José A. Corronca 1 ID and Carolina I. Paris 2 1 FCN-IEBI (Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados), CONICET CCT-Salta, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, CP 4400 Salta, Argentina; [email protected] 2 Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +54-387-425-5472 Received: 10 December 2017; Accepted: 23 January 2018; Published: 29 January 2018 Abstract: The invasive Argentine ant causes ecological and economic damage worldwide. In 2011, this species was reported in vineyards of Cafayate, a wine-producing town in the Andes, Argentina. While the local xeric climate is unsuitable for Argentine ants, populations could establish in association with vineyards where human activity and irrigation facilitate propagule introduction and survival. In 2013–2014, we combined extensive sampling of the area using ant-baits with monitoring of the change in land use and vineyard cultivated area over the past 15 years. Our results revealed that the species has thus far remained confined to a relatively isolated small area, owing to an effective barrier of dry shrublands surrounding the infested vineyards; yet the recent expansion of vineyard acreage in this region will soon connect this encapsulated area with the rest of the valley. When this happens, vulnerable ecosystems and the main local industry will be put at risk.
  • Recovery Research for the Endangered Pacific Pocket Mouse: an Overview of Collaborative Studies1

    Recovery Research for the Endangered Pacific Pocket Mouse: an Overview of Collaborative Studies1

    Recovery Research for the Endangered Pacific Pocket Mouse: An Overview of Collaborative Studies1 Wayne D. Spencer2 Abstract The critically endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus), feared extinct for over 20 years, was “rediscovered” in 1993 and is now documented at four sites in Orange and San Diego Counties, California. Only one of these sites is considered large enough to be potentially self-sustaining without active intervention. In 1998, I gathered a team of biologists to initiate several research tasks in support of recovery planning for the species. The PPM Studies Team quickly determined that species recovery would require active trans- locations or reintroductions to establish new populations, but that we knew too little about the biology of P. l. pacificus and the availability of translocation receiver sites to design such a program. Recovery research from 1998 to 2000 therefore focused on (1) a systematic search for potential translocation receiver sites; (2) laboratory and field studies on non-listed, surro- gate subspecies (P. l. longimembris and P. l. bangsi) to gain biological insights and perfect study methods; (3) studies on the historic and extant genetic diversity of P. l. pacificus; and (4) experimental habitat manipulations to increase P. l. pacificus populations. Using existing geographic information system (GIS) data, we identified sites throughout the historic range that might have appropriate soils and vegetation to support translocated P. l. pacificus. Re- connaissance surveys of habitat value were completed in all large areas of potential habitat identified by the model. Those sites having the highest habitat potential are being studied with more detailed and quantitative field analyses.
  • US EPA-Pesticides; Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate

    US EPA-Pesticides; Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate

    EFFICACY REVIEW DATE: IN 4-30-01 OUT 6-21-01 FILE OR REG. NO. 69529-1 PETITION OR EXP. PERMIT NO. DATE DIV. RECEIVED April 19, 2001 DATE OF SUBMISSION April 18, 2001 DATE SUBMISSION ACCEPTED TYPE PRODUCT(S): (I,)D, H, F, N, R, S DATA ACCESSION NO(S). 453568-01;D274488;S596027;Case#046539;AC:301 PRODUCT MGR. NO. 03-Layne/Quarles PRODUCT NAME(S) Pestbor COMPANY NAME Quality Borate Company SUBMISSION PURPOSE Provide performance data in reprint supporting claims for Argentine ant, pharaoh ant and Tap- inoma melanocephalum for formulated products. CHEMICAL & FORMULATION Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate 98% (30 lbs./cu.ft. bulk density manufacturing concentrate) CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS The data presented in EPA Accession (MRID) Number 453568-01, having been obtained from the reprint art- icle titled “Laboratory Evaluation of a Boric Acid Liquid Bait on Colonies of Tapinoma melanocephalum, Argentine Ants and Pharaoh Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)S, which meets the requirements of § 11(b)(1)-(7) on p. 268 and the standard of § 95-11(c)(3)(b) on pp. 270-1 of the Product Performance Guidelines, are adequate to sup- port the registration of the subject product, the sole use for this formulation being for the manufacturing of end use insecticidal products, more specifically baits. The cited data (to be contin'd) is far more than is necessary to establish usefulness of this form- ulation for the making of insecticidal baits. Results with the 3 species included in the testing were as follows: Tapinoma melanocephalum workers were reduced by 97%
  • Above-Belowground Effects of the Invasive Ant Lasius Neglectus in an Urban Holm Oak Forest

    Above-Belowground Effects of the Invasive Ant Lasius Neglectus in an Urban Holm Oak Forest

    U B Universidad Autónoma de Barce lona Departamento de Biología Animal, de Biología Vegetal y de Ecología Unidad de Ecología Above-belowground effects of the invasive ant Lasius neglectus in an urban holm oak forest Tesis doctoral Carolina Ivon Paris Bellaterra, Junio 2007 U B Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona Departamento de Biología Animal, de Biología Vegetal y de Ecología Unidad de Ecología Above-belowground effects of the invasive ant Lasius neglectus in an urban holm oak forest Memoria presentada por: Carolina Ivon Paris Para optar al grado de Doctora en Ciencias Biológicas Con el Vº. Bº.: Dr Xavier Espadaler Carolina Ivon Paris Investigador de la Unidad de Ecología Doctoranda Director de tesis Bellaterra, Junio de 2007 A mis padres, Andrés y María Marta, y a mi gran amor Pablo. Agradecimientos. En este breve texto quiero homenajear a través de mi más sincero agradecimiento a quienes me ayudaron a mejorar como persona y como científica. Al Dr Xavier Espadaler por admitirme como doctoranda, por estar siempre dispuesto a darme consejos tanto a nivel profesional como personal, por darme la libertad necesaria para crecer como investigadora y orientarme en los momentos de inseguridad. Xavier: nuestras charlas más de una vez trascendieron el ámbito académico y fue un gustazo escucharte y compartir con vos algunos almuerzos. Te prometo que te enviaré hormigas de la Patagonia Argentina para tu deleite taxonómico. A Pablo. ¿Qué puedo decirte mi amor qué ya no te haya dicho? Gracias por la paciencia, el empuje y la ayuda que me diste en todo momento. Estuviste atento a los más mínimos detalles para facilitarme el trabajo de campo y de escritura.
  • Argentine Ant

    Argentine Ant

    Pest Profile Photo credit: J.A. MacGown, Mississippi Entomological Museum, Mississippi State University Common Name: Argentine Ant Scientific Name: Linepithema humile Order and Family: Order Hymenoptera; Family Formicidae Size and Appearance: Length (mm) Appearance Egg Larva/Nymph Adult Workers: 2 -3 Shiny and smooth surface; light to dark brown with large eyes. mm They have a one-part waist with a well-developed node. These Queens: 4 – 6 ants lack a sting. mm Queens and males have wings. Queens resemble workers but are larger. Pupa (if applicable) Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Chewing Host(s): The Argentine ants feed primarily on sweet foods including plant nectar and honeydew from hemipterans such as aphids, which feed on plant juices. They also feed on other arthropods, especially ants and other insects, and small vertebrates. Description of Damage (larvae and adults): This species is an invasive and widespread pest with significant impacts on arthropod, vertebrate, and plant communities, therefore disrupting ecosystems. They also have significant impacts on agriculture and urban and residential areas. These ants often occur in high densities, especially in urban areas where water is available. These ants do come into homes in search of food and water. They tend and protect aphid and scale pests on a variety of plants from which the ants get honeydew. The Argentine ant is an invasive species, native of South America. This species has spread to the southern USA and is currently found in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, and Washington states. References: Argentine ant, Texas Invasive Species. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/linepithema-humile Fisher, B.L.
  • I. Petiole Node II. Tip of Abdomen IV. Length of Antennae Guide to Vineyard Ant Identification III. Shape of Thorax

    I. Petiole Node II. Tip of Abdomen IV. Length of Antennae Guide to Vineyard Ant Identification III. Shape of Thorax

    Guide to Vineyard Ant Identification head abdomen Monica L. Cooper, Viticulture Farm Advisor, Napa County Lucia G. Varela, North Coast IPM Advisor thorax I. Petiole node One Node Two nodes Go to II Subfamily Myrmicinae Go to V II. Tip of abdomen Circle of small hairs present Circle of small hairs absent Subfamily Formicinae Subfamily Dolichoderinae Go to III Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) III. Shape of thorax Thorax uneven Thorax smooth and rounded Go to IV Subfamily Formicinae Carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.) IV. Length of antennae Antennae not much longer than length of head Antennae much longer than length of head Subfamily Formicinae Subfamily Formicinae Field or Gray Ant (Formica spp.) False honey ant (Prenolepis imparis) head abdomen Petiole with two nodes Subfamily Myrmicinae (V-VIII) thorax V. Dorsal side of Thorax & Antennae One pair of spines on thorax No spines on thorax 12 segmented antennae 10 segmented antennae Go to VI Solenopsis molesta and Solenopsis xyloni VI. Underside of head No brush of bristles Brush of long bristles Go to VII Harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex californicus and P. brevispinosis) VII. Head and Thorax With hairs Without hairs Go to VIII Cardiocondyla mauritanica VIII. Head and Thorax With many parallel furrows Without parallel furrows Profile of thorax rounded Profile of thorax not evenly rounded Pavement ant (Tetramorium “species E”) Pheidole californica Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile), subfamily Dolichoderinae Exotic species 3-4 mm in length Deep brown to light black Move rapidly in distinct trails Feed on honeydew Shallow nests (2 inches from soil surface) Alex Wild Does not bite or sting Carpenter Ant (Camponotus spp.), subfamily Formicinae Large ant: >6 mm in length Dark color with smooth, rounded thorax Workers most active at dusk and night One of most abundant and widespread genera worldwide Generalist scavengers and predators: feed on dead and living insects, nectar, fruit juices and Jack K.
  • Behavioral and Genetic Differentiation Between Native and Introduced Populations of the Argentine Ant

    Behavioral and Genetic Differentiation Between Native and Introduced Populations of the Argentine Ant

    Biological Invasions 1: 43–53, 1999. © 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands. Behavioral and genetic differentiation between native and introduced populations of the Argentine ant ∗ Andrew V. Suarez , Neil D. Tsutsui, David A. Holway & Ted J. Case Department of Biology 0116, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA; ∗Author for correspondence (e-mail: [email protected]; fax: +1-619-534-7108) Received 9 June 1998; accepted in revised form 22 February 1999 Key words: Argentine ant, biological invasions, competition, invasive ants, Linepithema humile, microsatellites, nestmate recognition, population bottleneck, unicoloniality Abstract In this paper, we examine the hypothesis that reduced intraspecific aggression underlies the competitive prowess of Argentine ants in their introduced range. Specifically, we test three predictions of this hypothesis by comparing the genetic diversity, behavior, and ecology of Argentine ants in their native range to introduced populations. Differences between native and introduced populations of Argentine ants were consistent with our predictions. Introduced populations of the Argentine ant appear to have experienced a population bottleneck at the time of introduction, as evidenced by much reduced variation in polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers. Intraspecific aggression was rare in introduced populations but was common in native populations. Finally, in contrast to the Argentine ant’s ecological dominance throughout its introduced range, it did not appear dominant in the native ant assemblages studied in Argentina. Together these results identify a possible mechanism for the widespread success of the Argentine ant in its introduced range. Introduction Studies that compare the ecology of invasive species between their introduced and native ranges can be par- Despite the widespread problems associated with bio- ticularly insightful.