Data from: Does mining waste concentration in the soil interfere with leaf selection by Acromyrmex subterraneus (Formicidae)

Revegetation programs are proposed to recover the soil and biodiversity of
disturbed sites, this being the case of the Rio Doce basin, Brazil. This
region was hugely affected by a mining waste dam disruption, whose leakage
on the soil altered its chemical and physical characteristics, and
consequently the physiology and performance of plants. The expected
alterations of the plants can make them more attractive for leaf-cutting
ants, as lower water content induces an increase of non-structural
carbohydrates. In this context, we evaluated whether Acromyrmex
subterraneus workers differentiate among plants grown on soil with
different mining waste concentrations. Leaf discs from plants grown in
soil containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of mining waste were simultaneously
offered to ant colonies in a foraging arena. The number of transported
discs from each mining waste concentration was recorded until all discs of
any concentration had been transported. Leaf selection assays were
repeated after 30 days due to the novelty effect phenomenon. Leaf
thickness, water, starch and total soluble carbohydrate contents were
determined. Leaf discs from plants grown in soil with 100% of mining waste
concentration were preferentially selected in both selection assays. Leaf
thickness and water content were significantly lower in plants from the
aforementioned treatment, while starch and total soluble carbohydrates
were higher. Results suggest that seedlings implanted in sites with high
mining waste concentration are under high predation risk. Revegetation
programs must measure the impact of leaf-cutting ants as both herbivorous
and soil ecosystem engineers, for the best management of these insects.