6. Future Directions Fig. 3 Preparation of hydrogel baits for a community-wide Technomyrmex brunneus management program on Hachijo Island. 1) Pour sugar and the insecticide solution into a large plastic bucket. 2) Add tap water and stir with a handy agitator. 3) Add superabsorbent polymer and wait for approximately 15 min. until the polymer absorbs the solution. 4) Divide the formulated hydrogel bait into small plastic containers to be delivered to residents. Angulo, E., Hoffmann, B.D., Ballesteros-Mejia, L., et al. (2022) The economic costs of invasive alien ants worldwide. Biological Invasions, 24: 2041–2060. Bolton, B. (2007) Taxonomy of the dolichoderine ant genus Technomyrmex Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on the worker caste. Contributions of the American Entomological Institute, 35: 1–149. 139 White-footed ant biology and management intermediate important for grasping for (Sunamura et al., 2022). A study in a museum of Kagoshima Prefecture further quantified reduction of T. brunneus intrusion into the building by using a hydrogel bait treatment (Fukumoto et al., 2023). Technomyrmex brunneus is a newly rising invasive species and there is still insufficient information on its ecology and control. For example, unicoloniality is a mechanism underlying the invasiveness of alien ants (Holway et al., 2002). However, there are variations in the colony structure of T. brunneus: unicolonial population (Hachijo Island), multicolonial population (Okinawa and Ogasawara (Kagoshima Prefecture). Elucidating the conditions that make T. its brunneus unicolonial potential invasiveness. Additionally, previous experimental studies showed that T. brunneus recruit exclusively to water-rich baits. Field observations, however, have shown that it is also attracted to solid foods. further Therefore, investigated. Along with traits, interactions among T. brunneus and native species (e.g., competition among ant species) should be examined in detail. Such information should clarify the ecological risks posed by the spread of T. brunneus and contribute to decision making on the importance and priority of controlling this species from the viewpoint of biodiversity conservation. islands), and is its dietary spectrum should be these ecological Meanwhile, T. brunneus is obviously a significant household pest and there are certain needs for lower-cost, less-labor-intensive, more-effective control measures. The community-wide management program conducted on Hachijo Island is a practical solution to T. brunneus infestation. The program needs further improvement, however, such as an improved hydrogel bait formulation and optimized treatment volume, period and frequency. Additionally, feasibility of eradication should be explored, because the long-term management cost adds up to an enormous sum. Specifically, detailed examination of the possibility of insecticide transference among colony members via trophic eggs or grooming is needed. Furthermore, eradication cannot be achieved without coping with the T. brunneus populations that have invaded deep into forests. Therefore, the risks of controlling agents such as hydrogel baits to non-target organisms should be also considered and examined. Acknowledgements We thank the Residential Affairs Division, Hachijo Town Hall and the residents of Hachijo Island for their cooperation in various surveys conducted on Hachijo Island. These surveys were supported partly by the FY2022, 2023, and 2024 TMU Strategic Research Fund for Social Engagement (leader: K. Eguchi). References
元のページ ../index.html#45