THE EFFECT OF FENOXYCARB ON ALATES OF THE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT

Female alates of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren did not develop ovaries when exposed to dosages as low as 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg per colony of the insect growth regulator, fenoxycarb [ethyl 2-(4-phenoxyphenoxy) ethyl] carbamate. Development of the bursa, spermatheca, and oviducts was normal. Alate females from treated colonies were about three-fourths to one-half the size of those from control colonies, but were capable of histolyzing their wing muscles and forming an esophageal crop. A large number of intercastes were produced at 8–12 weeks after treatment. Males were not affected by the fenoxycarb treatment.