Effect of α -terthienyl on the foraging behavior and feeler responses of Solenopsis invicta Buren

By studying the effects of α -terthienyl( α -T) on the function of red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta Buren) feeler,the feasibility of applying photoactivated insecticides in control of red imported fire ants was investigated.The fire ants were treated by spraying 100 μg/mL α- T and then exposing to UVA light for 30 min.After incubation for 5,10,15,20 and 30 min,the ratio of ant for foraging sausage was 20.00%,25.00%,38.33%,40.00% and 41.67%,respectively.The ratio of ant for foraging hydramethylnon-based bait was 3.33%,0,0,3.33% and 0,respectively.The aggregation rates of the fire ant was17.50%,38.33%,32.50%,45.00% and 48.33%,respectively.After smearing the fire ant’s antenna with α -T and exposing to UVA light for 30 min,the value of electroantennogram (EGA) response to acetone was -0.177 mV,the percentage of normally walking ants was only 75.00%.After smearing the fire ant’s antenna for 10 h,the mortality rate was 27.50%.Treated with α -T on the red imported fire ant can significantly influence the ability of foraging food,walking,and EGA response to acetone.The botanical photoactivated insecticide α -T has the potential to be used to control the red imported fire ant.