The Biology and Ecology of Macrchischoides Aculeatus (Hymekqptsra 8 Formic Idas) In Cocoa Farms in (Siana

ABSTRACT

The ecology and biology of ijacromigcholdes aculeatus have been studied# The ant vas found to be widely distributed in southern (Sham and its distribution overlapped that of the forest zone. In cocoa farms it occurred sore casaonly and more abundantly in areas vdth dense shade than in &reas of +Mn shade. Light, predators, haaoptera and food availability were found to influence its distribution. It was found to be largely crepusacular and nocturnal. M. aculeatus has bean found to be antagonistic to other dominant ants inT cocoa fanae but could occur tqgetLbr with Crematogaster clariventris cn sm e tre e s} this depends on a behavioural mechanism* As a predator it utilizes cocoa capsids and other insects, both living and dead, and feeds too an sugars fraa extraflarel nectaries at* fraa Homoptera. Hites nere found as external parasites and nezaatode vom s as internal parasites* Colonies m re polydaaous and largely aaaogynouu. Population changes are discussed. Alate production was periodic and flight activity had a peak between April and 2&y When queens founded colonies independently. Presence of brood uas 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 cultlvational practice rather than, as at present, killiiig it by the use of broadspectrum insecticides.