Defensive Strategies of Puerto Rican Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) Against Invasive Fire Ants

@article{Kelehear2017DefensiveSO,
  title={Defensive Strategies of Puerto Rican Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) Against Invasive Fire Ants},
  author={Crystal Kelehear and Sean P Graham and Tracy Langkilde},
  journal={Herpetologica},
  year={2017},
  volume={73},
  pages={48 - 54}
}
Abstract: Invasive species present challenges to native organisms and offer unique opportunities to examine adaptations to novel stressors. We studied behavioral responses to invasive Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) in native Puerto Rican Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis) on Guana Island, British Virgin Islands. Geckos were exposed to no fire ants, few fire ants, or many fire ants. Solenopsis invicta was aggressive toward the geckos and the foraging ants frequently stung… 
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Abstract The red imported fire ant is a well-studied pest in the southern United States, but investigations of invasions in the central region are relatively rare. We compared two central Oklahoma…

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