Solenopsis invicta virus 3 infection alters foraging behavior in its host Solenopsis invicta

Solenopsis invicta is an invasive ant introduced into the United States in the early 1900s. Control efforts and damage caused by this ant exceed $8 billion annually. Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus (Solinviviridae) that is being used as a classical natural control agent for S. invicta. S. invicta colonies were exposed to purified preparations of SINV-3 to investigate the impact of the virus on the ant. Food retrieval behavior (i.e., foraging) by worker ants was significantly decreased, which led to mortality among all life stages. Queen fecundity and weight were also significantly decreased. The change in food retrieval was associated with the exhibition of an unusual behavior, whereby the remaining live ant workers wedged dead ant worker corpses into and on top of cricket carcasses (the laboratory colony food source). SINV-3 infection alters foraging behavior in S. invicta, which adversely impacts colony nutrition.

Automated summary

Solenopsis invicta, an invasive ant species introduced into the United States in the early 1900s, causes over $8 billion worth of damage annually and requires control efforts. A virus known as Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) is being used as a natural control agent for S. invicta. Exposure to SINV-3 significantly reduces food retrieval behavior, leading to mortality and decreased queen fecundity and weight. This virus-induced behavioral change negatively impacts colony nutrition.