Possible limitations in the management of a small ant pest species (Plagiolepis alluaudi) using gel baits

Alluaud’s little yellow ant, Plagiolepis alluaudi Emery 1894, (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is an emerging nuisance species in floriculture and residential areas around the globe. Originally described from Madagascar, it ranks among the smallest widespread formicine pests. To date, management protocols for this species have not been reported. In ants, feeding preference is partly correlated with body size and viscosity of the food source, and small ants may not be able to feed on formulated baits of relatively high viscosity. To assess population management implications of bait viscosity on a small pest ant species, four commercial ant baits of varying viscosities were evaluated in laboratory and field assays against P. alluaudi. All four products negatively affected P. alluaudi survival compared to the untreated control and all products were associated with greater visitation compared to the control, suggesting all active ingredients tested are viable candidates for P. alluaudi management..., , , # **Possible limitations in the management of a small ant pest species (*Plagiolepis alluaudi)* using gel baits**

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7wm37pw2z](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7wm37pw2z)

## Description of the data and file structure

Data for* Plagiolepis alluaudi* laboratory and field evaluations of commercial ant gel baits. These experiments took place in Broward County, Florida, USA. 

**Sheet 1: 'Lab Survival Data'.** Laboratory survival data were collected in no-choice laboratory assays with groups of ~200 workers, five queens, and their associated brood (~100 eggs/larvae/pupae) in experimental arenas. Survival was assessed daily for 11 days.  Separate, but otherwise identical laboratory assays were conducted for each commercial bait as either a 50% dilution or undiluted (8 treatments in total). Each treatment was replicated 3 times. Data are formulated for Cox proportional-hazards model, used to test the effect of each treatment on* *P. alluaudi** survival. '0' in a fi...