The status and impacts of Yellow Crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Nuutele, Aleipata islands, Samoa : final report

Abstract

This report describes research conducted in October 2010 and May 2011 on the island of Nu’utele, Samoa with the following aims: 1. To determine yellow crazy ant, A. gracilipes distribution and quantify rate of spread from the historic distribution; 2. To quantify the reproductive phenology of A. gracilipes; 3. To quantify the annual abundance cycle of A. gracilipes; 4. To quantify the annual nest density cycle of A. gracilipes; 5. To quantify A. gracilipes impacts on co-existing fauna 6. To identify A. gracilipes interactions with phytophagous insects and extrafloral nectar 7. To provide management recommendations