Project Number: 6402-22320-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 01, 2001
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
The objective of this reseach project will be to investigate acoustical communication among imported fire ants both within colonies and between colonies, and how the ants respond to acoustical vibration both in the air and in the soil, and to develop an acoustical monitoring tool for detection of termites and other subterranean arthropods.

Approach:
Acoustical apparatuses will be constructed to detect unseen infestations of insects. Devices will be based on recognition of sound-producing activities. Recognition will be developed from databases of sounds recorded under an array of substrates and environmental conditions. Earlier research by the National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) has shown that the black imported fire ant produces stridulatory sounds by gaster flagging. We also know that ants have chrdotonal organs on the legs that are sensitive to vibrations in the substrate. The NCPA has developed a micro electro=technique, and a sensitive acoustical sensor array for detecting vibrations from small insects. With an understanding of the acoustical responses from IFA we may be able to develop 1) a nonchemical acoustical barrier; 2) a technique for surveying fire ant populations; or 3) a novel technique for their destruction.

Project Team

Streett, Douglas Lax, Alan

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology (104)

Related Projects

Acoustical Communications by Imported Fire Ants    Acoustics Detection of Pests in Crops, Structures, Trees, and Soils