MAPPING OF THE ANT SCAPING AND ECO- FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS FOR Solonopsis geminata AT THE UNIVERSITY PREMISES OF THE EASTERN UNIVERSITY SRILANKA

Abstract

The scarcity of ant diversity identification in the Eastern region of Sri Lanka required a systematic survey around the eastem university premises. The study airned to collect a comprehensive range of ant specimens for taxonomic identification. The survey Utilized a combination of belt transect and quadrant, bait placement, and leaf-lifting sampling methods. This ant diversity identification survey revealed potential new records for the Eastem region including Crematogaster sp7 and Crematogasler sp2, Pheidole spl (major worker), Monomorium parasonis, Trychomyrmex destructor (major worker), Nylendria yerburi, Tetramorium cf obesum, Tetramoninm spl, Camponotus sp2 and Camponotus cf reticularis, Nylendria sp, Tetramonium obesum, Longiforsatus anochitus and high morphological diversity of Sol'onopsis geminate. Solenopsis geminata, an invasive species, poses health and environmental risks due to its harmful effects on humans, animals, and the environment. This study explored the development of eco-friendly fire ant management by formulating baits using organic plant materials as sustainable rather than Conventional chemical insecticides. The preliminary survey was conducted during .Iuly of 2023 and February of 2024 through face-to-face interviews with 78 stakeholders. Findings revealed prornising results 56o% of indoor cases and 44o/o of outdoor cases, recorded with major impacts to humans. 'l'he bait formulation was developed with high mortality counts of 5%o concentration fbr Azadirachta indica (neem), Citrus attrantiifolia (citrus), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Chrysanthemltm sp, and 10o% concertation from Deruis trifoliate. The developed bait exhibits high killing effects when formulated as organic baits by using serial chemical experiments. The selected bait dose was 0.05g for the effective killing of fire ants within one day by using effective food attractants soybean oil, corn grit and honey which served as attractive feeding stimulants within the bait formulations. The median lethal dose (LDso) was 1.088 mg/kg. The Observations served as a springboard for future research on developing safer and more effective organic ant control methods. By addressing the limitations identified currently and continuing to explore ant diversity, researchers can develop environmentally conscious solutions to combat Solenopsis geminata and other pest ant species.