Carpenter Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Fauna of South Carolina 1

Transcription

1 Carpenter Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Fauna of South Carolina 1 Jonathan M. Sargent, Eric P. Benson, Patricia A. Zungoli, and William C. Bridges 2 Department ofentomology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina J. Agric. Urban Entomol. 18(4): (October 2001) ABSTRACT In a statewide survey using four different methods, 10 species ofcarpenter ants were recorded from South Carolina. Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) and Camponotus decipiens Emery were encountered most frequently. They were recorded in 19 of the 46 South Carolina counties. Camponotus americanus Mayr, Camponotus chromaiodes (Bolton), and Camponotus nearcticus Emery were recorded in 12, 11, and 9 counties, respectively. Camponotus floridanus (Buckley) was found in only four counties, all of which were along the southern coastal area ofsouth Carolina. Camponotus castaneus (Latreille) was found in three counties, showing no proclivity toward any one area ofthe state. Camponotus caryae (Fitch), Camponotus discolor (Buckley), and Camponotus snellingi Bolton each were found in one county. KEY WORDS Camponotus, distribution, new records The genus Camponotus (Formicidae) is a large, widespread, and important group ofants (Klotz et al.1996, Hedges 1997). Several species are serious structural and nuisance pests in the United States (Klotz et al. 1996). One commonly encountered and wide-spread species in the eastern United States is the black carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) (Hedges 1997). Its range extends from North Dakota to Quebec and Ontario and southward to Texas and Florida (Smith 1965). Camponotus pennsylvanicus can nest in live or dead trees, rotting logs and stumps, buildings, telephone poles, and other wooden structures (Smith 1965). Another economically important species found in the eastern United States is the Florida carpenter ant, Camponotus floridanus (Buckley). Klotz et al. (1995) reported that C. floridanus was the fourth most encountered ant by pest management professionals (PMPs) in Florida, and the most encountered carpenter ant. It is established from Alabama and Horn Island, Mississippi eastward to Florida and north to North Carolina (Smith 1965). Other less economically important, but still prevalent Camponotus species also are found in the eastern United States. One commonly encountered ant is Camponotus decipiens Emery. Currently, C. decipiens is known from Georgia and northern Florida west to western Texas. It has also been recorded in the Mexican 1 Accepted for publication 10 January Department ofexperimental Statistics, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina Prod. #V18N4A4

2 228 J. Agric. Urban Entomol. Vol. 18, No. 4 (2001) states ofnuevo Leon and Tamaulipas (Snelling 1988). The red carpenter ant, Camponotus chromaiodes Bolton, ranges from Nebraska to New York, and south to Georgia (Smith 1965). The American carpenter ant, Camponotus americanus Mayr, ranges from New England and southern Ontario south to the Gulf Coast and west to Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Camponotus castaneus (Latreille) ranges from Iowa to New York and south to Texas and Florida (Smith 1965). Camponotus nearcticus Emery has a discontinuous distribution (Creighton 1950) and is recorded from Colorado to North Dakota, east to Ontario, and south to Florida (Smith 1965). From our experience, there is confusion among some PMPs regarding the distribution and number of Camponotus species in South Carolina. One problem is misidentification of other ant species, particularly in the genera Formica and Acanthomyops, as carpenter ants by PMPs. Proper identification of carpenter ant species and knowledge oftheir distribution is key for implementing management programs. In South Carolina, a statewide faunal survey for carpenter ants has never been conducted. The objectives ofthis study were to document carpenter ant species in South Carolina and determine their distribution by county. All county records reported here are new. Materials and Methods The distribution survey ofcarpenter ants in South Carolina was conducted using four methods: examining specimens in the Clemson University Arthropod Collection (CUAC); examining records from the Clemson University Plant Problem Clinic (CUPPC); conducting a mail survey ofstate pest management companies; and field collecting. Voucher specimens for field collections were deposited with the CUAC. Records from CUAC. The current CUAC was established in 1926 and houses over 212,000 specimens. It supports teaching, research, and extension activities at the University and aids in the identification of samples submitted in by individuals each year. Voucher specimens from past research are housed there. The CUAC Camponotus specimens were reviewed for new county records. Records from CUPPC. The CUPPC is part ofthe Cooperative Extension Service. Personnel identify and provide control recommendations for insects submitted by county Extension Agents and the public. Taxonomists and Extension Specialists at the CUPPC verify identifications. Records from , the extent of the computer database on file, were examined for new county records for Camponotus species. Mail survey. All 153 member companies ofthe South Carolina Pest Control Association (SCPCA) were sent survey materials on 22 February A package consisting ofa survey letter, two 2-dram vials filled with 95% ethanol, collection data sheets, and a pre-stamped padded envelope was sent to companies. Instructions requested PMPs to send carpenter ant samples encountered on the job to Clemson University along with specific collection data. A reminder postcard was sent on 27 May The survey was concluded on 01 September Field collection. The original method for selecting collection sites in South Carolina involved placing a grid over a map ofthe state, with 20% ofthe grids randomly selected for sampling. However, this method was discontinued due to the difficulty of sampling urban areas and private property. Ultimately, field

3 SARGENT et al.: Carpenter Ants ofsouth Carolina 229 collecting consisted oftravelling to counties for which records ofa given carpenter ant species did not exist, and searching suitable locations such as live and dead trees, stumps, logs, wood piles, general debris piles, and areas around structures. Night- and daytime sampling was conducted from May to October 1999 and Specimens were returned to Clemson University and were identified using keys by L. D. Hansen (L. D. H., unpublished data) or Snelling (1988). Results Distribution maps for carpenter ant species recorded or collected in four or more counties ofsouth Carolina were developed (Figs. 1 6). Ten species ofcarpenter ants were recorded. Records from CUAC. Prior to this study, the CUAC had records for eight carpenter ant species for South Carolina. They included C. americanus, C. castaneus, C. chromaiodes, C. floridanus, C. nearcticus, and C. pennsylvanicus. The CUAC also contained county records for C. rasilis and C. sayi (Emery). However, based on Snelling s (1988) revised key, both ofthese species are now identified as Fig. 1. Distribution of C. pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) in South Carolina by county.

4 230 J. Agric. Urban Entomol. Vol. 18, No. 4 (2001) Fig. 2. Distribution of C. decipiens Emery in South Carolina by county. C. decipiens. Camponotus sayi is an accepted species, however, it only occurs in the western United States (Snelling 1988). Examination ofcollection data in the CAUC showed that the American carpenter ant, C. americanus, has been found in Charleston, Pickens, and Oconee Counties. Camponotus castaneus has been found in Pickens, Orangeburg, and Sumter Counties. C. chromaiodes has been found in Allendale, Greenwood, Lancaster, and Pickens Counties, and C. decipiens has been found in Kershaw, Pickens, Bamburg, and Richland Counties. In addition, C. sayi specimens, reidentified as C. decipiens, have been collected in 11 counties throughout the state, making 15 county records for C. decipiens. Camponotus floridanus specimens in the CAUC were from Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, and Jasper Counties. Camponotus nearcticus was found in Jasper, Pickens, Chesterfield, Union, and Darlington Counties. Camponotus pennsylvanicus specimens have been recorded in nine counties throughout the state, including Bamberg, Charleston, Colleton, Greenville, Greenwood, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Saluda Counties. Records from CUPPC. CUPPC records included nine species from South Carolina. However, keys before the revision by Snelling (1988) were used for

5 SARGENT et al.: Carpenter Ants ofsouth Carolina 231 Fig. 3. Distribution of C. americanus Mayr in South Carolina by county. many ofthe identifications. For example, C. sayi was reported to be in nine South Carolina counties. Re-identified as C. decipiens, specimens were recorded in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Edgefield, Kershaw, Pickens, Oconee, Orangeburg, and Richland Counties. In addition, C. rasilis was reported in 10 counties. Snelling (1988) also included C. rasilis as a conspecific of C. decipiens. This expands the C. decipiens records to include Calhoun, Darlington, Greenwood, Greenville, Lancaster, and Sumter Counties. Camponotus chromaiodes, recorded with the homonym of C. ferrugineus, was reported in two counties: Lexington and Pickens. Camponotus pennsylvanicus was recorded in Beaufort, Charleston, Chester, Colleton, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Union, and York Counties. C. nearcticus was recorded in Anderson, Chester, Chesterfield, Colleton, Greenville, Sumter, and Union Counties. Camponotus castaneus and C. floridanus were reported from two counties each, Beaufort and Greenville, and Beaufort and Charleston Counties, respectively. C. caryae was reported only in Chester County. Camponotus caryae discolor, which is now its own species, C. discolor (Snelling 1988), was reported in Charleston County.

6 232 J. Agric. Urban Entomol. Vol. 18, No. 4 (2001) Fig. 4. Distribution of C. chromaiodes (Bolton) in South Carolina by county. Mail survey. A total of25 samples were received from PMPs. Seventeen companies, or 11% ofthe South Carolina Pest Control Association responded. Of the 25 samples, five specimens were unidentifiable ant alates, two specimens were in other ant genera, and one specimen was a coleopteran. Five carpenter ant species were identified from the samples: C. chromaiodes from Lexington and York Counties, C. decipiens from Greenville and Laurens Counties, C. floridanus from Beaufort and Charleston Counties, C. snellingi from Beaufort County, and C. pennsylvanicus from Beaufort and Union Counties. Field collection. Twenty-three ofthe 46 counties in South Carolina were sampled for carpenter ants (Table 1). Camponotus americanus was collected most frequently and was found in Anderson, Beaufort, Berkeley, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, Oconee, Richland, Spartanburg, and Union Counties. Camponotus pennsylvanicus was found in Aiken, Beaufort, Berkeley, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Orangeburg, and Richland Counties. Camponotus chromaiodes was collected in Charleston, Dorchester, Florence, Greenville, and Orangeburg Counties. Camponotus decipiens was collected in Jasper and Horry Counties, and C. floridanus was collected in Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, and Jasper Counties.

7 SARGENT et al.: Carpenter Ants ofsouth Carolina 233 Fig. 5. Distribution of C. nearcticus Emery in South Carolina by county. Discussion The 10 Camponotus species documented in this study represent four subgenera ofthe genus: Camponotus Mayr, Myrmentoma Forel, Myrmothrix Forel, and Tanaemyrmex Ashmead. The subgenus Camponotus contains C. americanus, C. chromaiodes, and C. pennsylvanicus. Camponotus floridanus is the only species in South Carolina in the subgenera Myrmothrix, and C. castaneus is the only species in South Carolina in the subgenus Tanaemyrmex. The subgenus Myrmentoma contains C. caryae, C. decipiens, C. discolor, C. nearcticus, and C. snellingi. Camponotus pennsylvanicus and C. decipiens have now been recorded from 19 South Carolina counties. They are considered both a nuisance and structural pest because oftheir prevalence in and around structures. C. americanus was recorded from 12 counties and C. chromaiodes was recorded from 11 counties. Geographically, C. chromaiodes has a distribution very similar to C. pennsylvanicus. This ant also can be a pest, but usually not to the level of C. pennsylvanicus (Smith 1965). Camponotus nearcticus is one ofthe most widely distributed and common carpenter ants in the subgenus Myrmentoma and was found in nine counties

8 234 J. Agric. Urban Entomol. Vol. 18, No. 4 (2001) Fig. 6. Distribution of C. floridanus (Buckley) in South Carolina by county. throughout the state. Camponotus nearcticus colonies generally are smaller than other species ofcarpenter ants, ranging from less than 100 to several hundred members (Smith 1965). They are known to nest in structures, and usually are associated with moist wood (Smith 1965). We speculate that ifmore extensive sampling was conducted, C. pennsylvanicus, C. decipiens, C. americanus, C. chromaiodes, and C. nearcticus would be found throughout the state. In our collections, their distribution was not confined to any particular region of South Carolina. Camponotus floridanus was recorded in four counties, all of which are located along the southeastern coast ofthe state. During field collections, these ants were often located in areas of new construction. The prevalence of C. floridanus in these areas and their tendency to construct large nests and actively forage makes them a potentially serious urban pest. Camponotus castaneus, found in three counties, is not known to be a major household pest. It prefers to nest in rotten logs and stumps, in exposed or covered soil, or in a combined log and soil matrix (Smith 1965). Also not considered to be major pests in South Carolina are C. caryae, recorded in Chester county, C.

9 SARGENT et al.: Carpenter Ants ofsouth Carolina 235 Table 1. Camponotus species collected by county in South Carolina. Of the 46 counties in the state, 23 were sampled in 1999 and South Carolina County Anderson Aiken Allendale Beaufort Berkeley Calhoun Charleston Colleton Dorchester Florence Georgetown Greenville Hampton Horry Jasper Kershaw Lexington Oconee Orangeburg Pickens Spartanburg Richland Union Camponotus species C. americanus C. pennsylvanicus None C. americanus, C. floridanus, and C. pennsylvanicus C. americanus and C. pennsylvanicus None C. chromaiodes and C. floridanus C. floridanus C. americanus and C. chromaiodes C. chromaiodes C. americanus and C. pennsylvanicus C. chromaiodes None C. americanus, C. decipiens, and C. pennsylvanicus C. decipiens and C. floridanus C. pennsylvanicus None C. americanus C. chromaiodes and C. pennsylvanicus None C. americanus C. americanus and C. pennsylvanicus C. americanus discolor recorded in Charleston county, and C. snellingi, recorded in Beaufort County. When considering control options, it is important to know the species ofcarpenter ant and its distribution in a state where PMPs operate. During this study, C. pennsylvanicus, C. decipiens, C. americanus, C. chromaiodes, and C. nearcticus were found throughout South Carolina. Each could be a pest problem where encountered. Camponotus floridanus was found only in the four southeastern coastal counties. Ants in the genera Formica and Acanthomyops may be misidentified as Camponotus. Ifthese genera are in a pest situation, they may require either different or no control measures. In addition, many of the less encountered nuisance and benign species ofcarpenter ants such as C. castaneus, C. caryae, C. discolor, and C. snellingi generally require little or no control. It is important to preserve these non-pest ant species because they occupy habitats and compete for resources with pest species in both natural and urban ecosystems. Acknowledgment We thank J. Adkins, K. Hathorne, and E. Paysen, for their help with field collections. L. Hansen was very helpful with her insight and suggestions for this project. We appreciate

10 236 J. Agric. Urban Entomol. Vol. 18, No. 4 (2001) the identifications and species confirmations of Camponotus specimens in the subgenus Myrmentoma by R. Snelling ofthe Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. This publication is Technical Contribution number 4695 ofthe South Carolina Agriculture and Forestry Research System. References Cited Creighton, W. S The ants ofnorth America bulletin ofthe Museum ofcomparative Zoology 104. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 585 pp. Hedges, S. A Ants, pp In S. A. Hedges [Ed.], Handbook ofpest control, 8th ed. Mallis Handbook & Technical Training Company, Cleveland, Ohio, 1456 pp. Klotz, J. H., J. R. Mangold, K. M. Vail, L. R. Davis & R. S. Patterson A survey ofthe urban pest ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ofpeninsular Florida. Florida Entomol. 78: Klotz, J. H., B. L. Reid & S. A. Klotz Trailing the elusive carpenter ant: a key to its control. Am. Entomol. Spring: Smith, M. R House-infesting ants of the eastern United States: their recognition, biology, and economic importance. United States Department ofagriculture Technical Bulletin 326, Washington, D.C., 105 pp. Snelling, R. R Taxonomic notes on Nearctic species of Camponotus, subgenus Myrmentoma (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), pp In J. Trager, [Ed.], Advances in myrmecology. E. J. Brill, New York, 551 pp.