Tawny Crazy Ant Preliminary Field Survey at Wild Basin
In June and July of 2018, Wild Basin intern, UT graduate Marissa Zamora, conducted preliminary field surveys in the preserve to look for evidence of the invasive invertebrate species known as Tawny Crazy Ant (Nylanderia fulva).
Following up on possible observation sites identified by other researchers and interns, Zamora placed baits (typically bits of lunch meat on a paper plate) around the perimeter of the Research Center and at two locations near the back gate of the preserve. Around the Research Center, two baits were placed on the north side of the building near the AC unit, and two baits were placed on the east side of the building: one was placed in a bed of soil and rocks and the other was placed near landscape equipment. A fifth bait was placed in the garden on the south side, and a sixth was placed on the southwest side near a stand of dead trees. At the collection sites near the back gate, two baits were placed near the ephemeral creek behind an old bird blind and two baits were placed by the back gate.
Ants were collected at 5 of the bait locations. Online resources were used to determine whether any of the individuals collected were N. fulva, including an article by Alex Wild, ant expert and Curator of Entomology at the University of Texas Insect Collection, and an ant guide on Mississippi Entomological Museum’s website. After collecting and observing specimens, it was concluded that none were N. fulva.
For future studies, pitfall traps might be used in addition to bait traps to allow for collection of a greater variety of ant species. Exploring additional locations, such as other creeks within Wild Basin or other areas that have been highly disturbed by humans, may aid in finding any populations of N. fulva that have entered the preserve.