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"Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands" (Environmental Sciences and Policy Management 107 and Integrative Biology 158) - Fall 2006.

Download the Paper (366 K, PDF file) - December 1, 2006 Tell a colleague about it. Printing Tips: Select 'print as image' in the Acrobat print dialog if you have trouble printing.

ABSTRACT:
Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA Abstract. Interspecific mutualisms between ant and scale insect species have been well documented as symbiotic relationships that merit resource acquisition in exchange for protection. In this study, insect removal experiments were preformed on the branches of Psidium guajava in order to measure the effects that insect populations have on one another. Five ant removal, five scale removal and five control trees were treated. Data was taken daily over the course of 18 days. Ant activity was measured using a one-minute, unidirectional, point count and the number of scales per branch was determined by photographing a sample of five leaves per branch. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests found that ant populations differ significantly to that of controls in the absence of scale insects. Scale insect populations were not significantly affected by the removal of ants. Observational ant behavior data was also collected that supports possible tending behavior.

SUGGESTED CITATION:
Maya Almarez, "Interspecific Insect Interactions and Mutualism on the Underside of Guava Psidium Guajava Leaves, Mo’orea, French Polynesia" (December 1, 2006). Water Resources Center Archives. Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands (ESPM 107/IB 158). Paper almarez.
http://repositories.cdlib.org/wrca/moorea/almarez