Impact of herbicides on a predator ant guild

Abstract

The effects of alachor, metolachlor, dimethenamid and diuron herbicides on a predator ant guild were evaluated in Dourados, MS (22°13'16"S and 54°48'20"W). Two control areas, with and without weeds, were used in the study. The ants were sampled using two sardine baits per plot with four replications per treatment. Solenopsis sp. was the most abundant ant species among the five sampled species. There was a decrease in the number of ants in the treatment and control plots afier 40 days. No significant differences were found between the herbicide and control plots.