Sub-lethal effect of indolic derivatives on the cutter ant Atta opaciceps

Abstract

Ants belonging to the genus Atta represent the largest number of species in Brazil, with Atta opaciceps considered to be one of the most important economically because it causes damage to agricultural and forest plants. Its main method of control is organosynthetic insecticides, but the inappropriate use of these, causes serious environmental problems. With this, new management alternatives need to be studied. In this research, therefore, we aimed to evaluate the mobility of A. opaciceps workers exposed to indole derivatives. For this, the individuals were submitted to mobility tests. The evaluation was done collectively and individually through Ethovision software. The compounds tested showed a significant difference in the distance traveled, velocity, immobility and angular velocity of the ants. Thus, the results demonstrate the potential of indoles for the development of more efficient formicides and with less environmental impact.