Desenvolvimento de iscas granuladas com atraentes alternativos para atta bisphaerica forel, (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e sua aceitação pelas operárias

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a methodology to prepare granular baits with alternativeattractants for the workers of the leaf-cutting ant Atta bisphaerica Forel, and to compare these baitsattractiveness with that of the citrus pulp. Granule pick ups of hand made baits of jaraguá grass(Hyparhenia rufa); sugar cane leaves and stalks and of wheat flour were compared to that of commercialbaits without active ingredient in six nests located in Viçosa, MG. The bait of jaraguá grass was themost attractive to the ant workers, followed by the bait of sugar cane leaves. Commercial granulatedbaits had both mass and diameter inadequate for picking up by the ants, besides having the leastattractiveness.