Table 1 Research objectives (O), stimuli tested, numbers of replicates (n) run, and ant species bioassayed in experiments 1–24.
Exp. # | Stimulia tested | n (species tested) |
|---|---|---|
(O1) Assess consumption of various macro- and micro-nutrients | ||
1–2 | Water vs 0.625%b vs 1.25% vs 2.5% sucrose | 9 (C. modoc); 10 (M. rubra) |
3–4 | Water vs Tween 80 (0.05%) vs 0.5% glycerides vs 1.0% glycerides | 9 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
5–6 | Water vs Tween 80 (0.05%) vs 1.25% fatty acids vs 2.5% fatty acids | 7 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
7–8 | Water vs Tween 80 (0.05%) vs 0.5% sterols vs 1.0% sterols | 7 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
9–10 | Water vs 0.25% vs 0.5% vs 1.0% salts | 8 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
11–12 | Water vs 0.25% vs 0.5% vs 1.0% vitamins | 8 (C. modoc); 10 (M. rubra) |
(O2) Compare consumption between preferred macronutrients | ||
13 &15 | Water vs urea (2.5%) vs EAAs (0.55%) vs sucrose (2.5%) vs blend (5.55%); unadjustedc | 8 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
14 & 16 | Water vs urea (5.55%) vs EAAs (5.55%) vs sucrose (5.55%) vs blend (5.55%); adjustedc | 9 (C. modoc); 8 (M. rubra) |
17 & 19 | Water vs urea + EAAs (2.5%; 0.55%) vs urea + sucrose (2.5%; 2.5%) vs EAAs + sucrose (0.55; 2.5%) vs blend (5.55%); unadjusted | 9 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
18 & 20 | Water vs urea + EAAs (4.55%; 1.0%) vs urea + sucrose (2.775%; 2.775%) vs EAAs (1.0%) + sucrose (4.55%) vs blend (5.55%); adjusted | 9 (C. modoc); 9 (M. rubra) |
(O3) Evaluate seasonal nutrient preferences | ||
21–22 | Water vs EAAs (5.55%) vs sucrose (5.55%) vs blend (5.55%) | 12–13 (C. modoc); 10 (M. rubra) |
(O4) Investigate nutrient preferences of other ant taxa | ||
23–24 | Water vs EAAs (5.55%) vs sucrose (5.55%) vs blend (5.55%) | 10 (L. niger); 10 (F. aserva) |
