The chemical basis for the use of citrus pulp as a fungus garden substrate by the leaf-cutting antsAtta cephalotes(L.) andAcromyrmex octospinosus(Reich) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Components of dried citrus pulp were isolated and tested for arrestant activity for Atta cephalores (L.) and Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich). Both lipid and non-lipid components contributed to the acceptability of the pulp. Arrestant activity was greater in the non-lipid fraction. Sucrose was found to be the most active single component of the non-lipids. The arrestant properties of the pulp were attributable to the particular balance of constituents rather than to any single component. The results are compared with the response of other insects to similar phytochemical stimuli.