Epiphyll deterrence to the leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant-Animal Interactions
• Chemical Ecology

Background:

• Leafcutter ants (Atta cephalotes) are significant herbivores in tropical ecosystems.
• Epiphylls are plant growths on leaves, potentially influencing herbivory.
• Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) and Cyclanthus bipartitus are tropical plants that host epiphylls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of epiphylls in deterring Atta cephalotes herbivory on Citrus paradisi and Cyclanthus bipartitus.
• To quantify the impact of epiphyll presence or absence on leaf damage.

Main Methods:

• Field observations and experimental manipulation of epiphyll presence on host plant leaves.
• Comparison of herbivore damage levels between leaves with and without epiphylls.
• Quantification of leaf area removed by Atta cephalotes.

Main Results:

• Epiphyll growth on leaves significantly repelled Atta cephalotes ants.
• Experimental removal of epiphylls led to a 2-3 fold increase in herbivore damage compared to intact leaves.
• Leaves with epiphylls experienced substantially less damage from leafcutter ants.

Conclusions:

• Epiphylls provide a protective benefit to host plants, reducing herbivory by leafcutter ants.
• The association between host plants and epiphylls may confer a fitness advantage through reduced damage.
• Epiphylls represent a potential defense mechanism for tropical plants against specialist herbivores.