Scholarlink

<p>Herbivory is a crucial biotic interaction influencing plant biomass and abundance. Although extensively studied in terrestrial tropical environments, its significance for aquatic macrophytes has been largely overlooked. This study presents the first report of herbivory by the leaf-cutting ant <i>Atta laevigata</i> on aquatic macrophytes in Neotropical ecosystems. Photographs captured the removal of leaves and stems from 16 species of aquatic macrophytes, predominantly during the dry season when water levels receded, making the plants more accessible. A comprehensive literature review revealed no prior reports of this interaction in Neotropical environments. Herbivory by leaf-cutting ants appears to be both seasonal and opportunistic, potentially having a negative impact on the biomass and reproductive success of aquatic plants. However, it may also facilitate seed and/or spore dispersal. These findings suggest that herbivory by leaf-cutting ants may have important consequences for aquatic plants and deserves further investigation.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

When it's dry, they forage on wet! First report of aquatic macrophytes herbivory by leaf-cutting ants during the dry season in Neotropical environments

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月28日

查看全文
  • Glauco Cássio de Sousa Oliveira,
  • Guilherme Ramos Demetrio,
  • Raquel de Cássia Ramos,
  • Flávia de Freitas Coelho

摘要

Herbivory is a crucial biotic interaction influencing plant biomass and abundance. Although extensively studied in terrestrial tropical environments, its significance for aquatic macrophytes has been largely overlooked. This study presents the first report of herbivory by the leaf-cutting ant Atta laevigata on aquatic macrophytes in Neotropical ecosystems. Photographs captured the removal of leaves and stems from 16 species of aquatic macrophytes, predominantly during the dry season when water levels receded, making the plants more accessible. A comprehensive literature review revealed no prior reports of this interaction in Neotropical environments. Herbivory by leaf-cutting ants appears to be both seasonal and opportunistic, potentially having a negative impact on the biomass and reproductive success of aquatic plants. However, it may also facilitate seed and/or spore dispersal. These findings suggest that herbivory by leaf-cutting ants may have important consequences for aquatic plants and deserves further investigation.