Foraging behavior of fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Felis catus Linnaeus (Carnivora, Felidae) carcass

Solenopsis saevissima fire ants were found foraging in a Felis catus carcass over tissues an secretions present in holes and mucosa. The ants built a dirt-made physical structure around the carcass, which prevented necrophagous flies from laying eggs in the body. These observations are relevant to i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sociobiology (Chico, CA) CA), 2015-12, Vol.62 (4)
Main Authors: Maciel, Tatiane Tagliatti, Castro, Mariana Monteiro, Barbosa, Bruno Corrêa, Fernandes, Elisa Furtado, Santos-Prezoto, Helba Helena, Prezoto, Fábio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carcass decomposition
Carnivora
domestic cat
Felidae
Felis catus
forensic entomology
Formicidae
Hymenoptera
necrophagous ants
Solenopsis saevissima
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Summary:Solenopsis saevissima fire ants were found foraging in a Felis catus carcass over tissues an secretions present in holes and mucosa. The ants built a dirt-made physical structure around the carcass, which prevented necrophagous flies from laying eggs in the body. These observations are relevant to increasing knowledge on the role of this ant genus in the decaying process of other animal corpses, including humans.
ISSN:0361-6525
2447-8067
DOI:10.13102/sociobiology.v62i4.736