First host record of stylopization of a worker ant, Ectatomma edentatum (Formicidae: Ectatomminae), by a Myrmecolacidae (Strepsiptera)

Strepsipterans of the family Myrmecolacidae are endoparasitoid insects of ants distributed worldwide, except in the Palearctic and Antarctic regions. Despite this, knowledge about their host ants and the effects of this parasitism on their biology remains scarce. To fill this gap in Brazil, we used yellow pan traps in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in search of stylopized ants (i.e., parasitized by Strepsiptera). The present study records for the first time the observation of a stylopized worker ant of the species <i>Ectatomma edentatum</i> in Brazil and details the general behavior of stylopized ants. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of yellow pan traps as a collection method of stylopized ants and compare their functionality to previously employed methods.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Insect Science
Published
2026-02-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2026.1762540
Primary Topic
Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

First host record of stylopization of a worker ant, Ectatomma edentatum (Formicidae: Ectatomminae), by a Myrmecolacidae (Strepsiptera)

Jacques Hubert Charles Delabie, Jeyaraney Kathirithamby, André Luiz Marambaia, Favízia F. de Oliveira
Frontiers in Insect Science
Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
article

First host record of stylopization of a worker ant, Ectatomma edentatum (Formicidae: Ectatomminae), by a Myrmecolacidae (Strepsiptera)

Jacques Hubert Charles Delabie, Jeyaraney Kathirithamby, André Luiz Marambaia, Favízia F. de Oliveira
article en

Abstract

Strepsipterans of the family Myrmecolacidae are endoparasitoid insects of ants distributed worldwide, except in the Palearctic and Antarctic regions. Despite this, knowledge about their host ants and the effects of this parasitism on their biology remains scarce. To fill this gap in Brazil, we used yellow pan traps in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in search of stylopized ants (i.e., parasitized by Strepsiptera). The present study records for the first time the observation of a stylopized worker ant of the species <i>Ectatomma edentatum</i> in Brazil and details the general behavior of stylopized ants. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of yellow pan traps as a collection method of stylopized ants and compare their functionality to previously employed methods.

Frontiers in Insect ScienceVol. 6
Universidade Federal da Bahia (BR), University of Oxford (GB), Comissão Executiva do Plano da Lavoura Cacaueira - Ceplac (BR)
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Life below water
Openalex Percentile: Top 61%
Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.