Details of this species in P'ing-tung Status: Uncertain biostatus
Invasiveness: Not specified
Occurrence: Established
Source: Shen et al., 2007 Arrival Date:
Introduction: Unknown Species Notes for this Location:
Populations of Maconellicoccus hirsutus on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in the area reach peak levels in the high temperature period of June to November with an average of 6.23 / 8 cm branch. Temperature, natural enemies and attending ants were found to be significantly related to the population dynamics of M. hirsutus (Shen et al., 2007), with the mean number of nymphs (6.82/branch) and adults (0.14/branch) on hibiscus with nests built by ants were all significantly higher than those on branches without ant nests (1.64/branch and 0.01/branch, respectively). Ant species observed interacting with M. hirsutus include: the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis longipes = Anoplolepis gracilipes); the big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala; the fire ant (Solenopsis geminata); the ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum (Tapinoma melanocephalum) and Polyrhachis dives (Shen et al., 2007). With the exception of P. dives, these ants are able to construct their nests using soil on the stem base of a plant to protect M. hirsutus colonies, consequently influencing its occurrence and abundance (Shen et al., 2007). Some species of ant such as P. megacephala have been shown to actively defend M. hirsutus in laboratory studies, with the killing and removal of all predatory Cryptolaemus montrouzieri individuals added within 135.5 min (Lai & Chang, 2007). However, while ants may protect M. hirsuta from other predators,P. megacephala was shown to predate adult M. hirsuta in the absence of other protein sources in the lab. Based on P. megacephala nest analysis, it is presumed that the eggs of M. hirsutus are consumed for protein while adults are generally not predated and used as a source of honeydew (Lai & Chang, 2007). Management Notes for this Location:
Impacts:
Interaction with other invasive species: The mean number of Maconellicoccus hirsutus nymphs (6.82/branch) and adults (0.14/branch) on hibiscus with nests built by ants were all significantly higher than those on branches without ant nests (1.64/branch and 0.01/branch, respectively). Ant species observed interacting with M. hirsutus include: the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis longipes = Anoplolepis gracilipes); the big-headed ant Pheidole megacephala (Pheidole megacephala); the fire ant (Solenopsis geminata); the ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum) and Polyrhachis dives (Shen et al., 2007). With the exception of P. dives, these ants are able to construct their nests using soil on the stem base of a plant to protect M. hirsutus colonies, consequently influencing its occurrence and abundance (Shen et al., 2007) while also using the sugary honeydew produced by M. hirsutus as an important food source. ome species of ant such as P. megacephala have been shown to actively defend M. hirsutus in laboratory studies, with the killing and removal of all predatory Cryptolaemus montrouzieri individuals added within 135.5 min (Lai & Chang, 2007). However, while ants may protect M. hirsuta from other predators,P. megacephala was shown to predate adult M. hirsuta in the absence of other protein sources in the lab. Based on P. megacephala nest analysis, it is presumed that the eggs of M. hirsutus are consumed for protein while adults are generally not predated and used as a source of honeydew (Lai & Chang, 2007). Last Modified: 1/10/2010 3:17:06 p.m.
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