Principal investigators:
Ulrich G. Mueller
Section of Integrative Biology
University of
Texas
Austin, TX 78712-1064
Email: umueller@mail.utexas.edu
Lawrence E. Gilbert
Section of Integrative Biology
University of
Texas
Austin, TX 78712-1064
Email: lgilbert@mail.utexas.edu
Funding Amount/2 Years: $50,635
Relevance/Implication of Project:
Detailed knowledge of the geographical
relations of imported fire ants and native ants is critical for the application
of phorid flies in biological control. Likewise, information on the geographical
ecology and genetics of native and introduced phorid flies provides an important
basis for interpreting the success or failure of introduction attempts.
Summary of Work to be Done:
Existing surveys of imported fire ants and native ants are not fine scale
enough for use in detailed ecological studies, such as monitoring ant community
changes after biocontrol attempts. Moreover, virtually no information exists on
the geographical ecology and genetics of Pseudacteon. Such information is
necessary for understanding any genetic basis for geographical patterns of
introduction success and failure, for understanding the sources of flies
colonizing a new site, and for detecting any possible hybridization with native
Pseudacteon species.