Abstract:
Termite raiding behaviour of the African poneromorph ant Pachycondyla analis
was studied at Mpala, Kenya. In all, 330 raids were observed with the raiding activity
showing peaks in the morning and evening. Time spent at the termite source
was positively correlated with the numbers of termites taken. The sizes of foraging
parties, number of termites taken, distance travelled and time spent at termite
sources also showed a positive correlation. Pachycondyla analis preyed significantly
more on Microtermes spp. than they did on Odontotermes spp. but no significant
differences were found in terms of predator efficiency even though many ants were
injured in raids on Odontotermes spp. compared with those on Microtermes spp.
Our results indicate that P. analis seems to forage optimally, balancing the costs of
energy with prey reward and prey choices were not only influenced by prey abundance,
but also by the costs of foraging, as influenced by prey defences, size and
foraging behaviour.
