First Record of Cyphoderus innominatus Mills, 1938 (Collembola: Paronellidae) in Early Colonies of Atta sexdens Leaf-Cuffing Ants

Cyphoderus innominatus Mills, 1938 (Collembola: Paronellidae) was first observed in early colonies of Atta sexdens leaf-cutting ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The colonies were collected on February 6, 2019, from a transition area between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, located in the municipality of Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. A total of four colonies collected had an average population density of 227 +/- 212 C. innominatus individuals, and most of the latter were found in peripheral areas inside the fungusgarden-growing chamber of the colony. In addition, we observed a possible defensive behavior on the part of workers when C. innominatus individuals were present in the fungus garden chamber. Thus, this is the first record of C. innominatus living in association with early colonies of A. sexdens.

Automated summary

The study found Cyphoderus innominatus for the first time in early colonies of Atta sexdens in a transitional area between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado in Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The colonies had a high density of C. innominatus individuals, mostly found in peripheral areas of the fungus garden chamber. Observations also indicated a potential defensive behavior by worker ants when C. innominatus individuals were present in the fungus garden chamber.