title: Epiphyll deterrence to the leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes.
abstract: Epiphyll growth on leaves of the grapefruit Citrus paradisi and the understory cyclanth Cyclanthus bipartitus repelled the fungus-growing, leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes from harvesting leaves of these tropical plants. Experimental removal of epiphylls from leaves resulted in 2-3 times more herbivore damage by leafcutter ants as compared to matched leaves with epiphylls. Because of the protection from herbivore damage, host plants may derive a partial fitness benefit from association with epiphylls.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, NY, Ithaca, USA.
authors.forename: Ulrich G
authors.initials: UG
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, NY, Ithaca, USA.
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wolf-Mueller
keywords: Antiherbivore protection; Atta cephalotes; Epiphylls; Herbivory; Repellency