Into the Spectrum: Investigating the Range of Color Vision in the Foraging Behavior of Diacamma rugosum (Asian Bullet Ants)

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Manjho Aron R. Broniola, De La Salle University - ManilaFollow
Ethan Jay O. Dayandante, De La Salle University - ManilaFollow
Patricia Erin D. Sotto, De La Salle University - ManilaFollow
Lawrence P. Belo, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Document Type

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Belo, Lawrence P.

Abstract/Executive Summary

Ants showcase that size does not always matter. Through their small stature, they continue surviving in the land they live in, continuously being resourceful for their colony. Each ant serves their purpose of building, hunting, and growing their colony. They used their heightened senses to communicate danger, routes, and food sources from which they could contribute to the colony. Typically done via pheromones, also known as their “scent.” Previous studies have raised the preference of other ant species to be colors of short wavelengths. Now, this study deals with the ethology of ants, specifically regarding their foraging behavior, raising the question regarding their color vision. Does this also affect their ability to forage for food? This will be tested through a series of controlled experiments measuring the average time ants take to reach their food, varying in color and sugar concentration. Diacamma rugosum (Asian Bullet Ants) was used as the species for this experiment and revealed that the ants preferred shorter wavelengths, such as the color blue, and lower concentrated solutions. Correlating this with other studies revealed similar results, solidifying the results. The data provided can also be utilized in further deterrent designs for ants and possibly other pests.

Keywords

ants; Asian bullet ants; color vision; foraging behavior; sugar concentrate