Seed-harvesting and other ants in the tobacco-growing districts of North Queensland

Abstract

An investigation was carried out into tobacco seed-bed failures caused by an indigenous ant fauna. The funnel ant, Aphaenogaster longiceps, was a serious pest because of the ramifications of the nest and the soil disturbance associated with the formicary. The chief seed-harvesting species were Monomorium rothsteini var. leda, Pheidole impressiceps, P. variabilis, and Pheidolacanthinus mjobergi. The bionomics of these and of some other species are discussed.