FOUST, S.J.; THOMPSON, S.A.; GRISWOLD, S.L.; GURROLA, E.C.; KATS, L.B.: Response of leaf-cutting ants to predator chemical cues.

Prey responses to predator odors have been studied in a variety of organisms, but little is known about the response of social insects to predator odors. This study examined the response of the tropical leaf-cutting ant, Atta cephalotes, to predator chemical cues. We found that ants were attracted to chemical cues of two known predators: the strawberry poison-dart frog (Dendrobates pumilio) and the dink frog (Eleutherodactylus diastema). They were not attracted to chemical cues of a third predator, the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata). Leaf-cutting ants showed no response to chemical cues from a control non-predator millipede (Nyssudesmus python). These results differ from most other studies on prey responses to predator odors. In most studies where prey respond to predator chemical cues, prey exhibit defensive behaviors that can include avoidance of predator odors or reduction in overall movement. Our results suggest that social insects might be expected to respond to predator chemical cues differently than non-social prey. Social insects might be attracted to predator chemical cues to facilitate the defense of the overall colony.