Field response of acromyrmex crassispinus (forel) to aggression by atta sexdens (linn.) and predation by labidus praedator (fr. smith) (hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Aggression between colonies of the leaf-cutting ants, Acromyrmex crassispinus and Atta sexdens, was followed in the field. A. sexdens dominated the A. crassispinus nest, but did not overcome it. The A. crassispinus nest was subsequently raided by Labidus praedator, which took larvae and pupae without killing the colony. Aggression between the leaf-cutting ant colonies lasted 17 days. Microgyne production and nest displacement in the attacked A. crassispinus colony may be atrributed to stress.