An independently evolved mutualism among ants (Myrmicinae Pheidole terramorium and Paratrechina longicornis), sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and Hemiptera: an invader-invader mutualism and invasion meltdown

摘要: The role of mutualisms among invasive species in facilitating invasions remains relatively unexplored. Yet such interactions have high potential to alter intact community composition and function due their positive fitness effects on the involved. The following study explores an interaction that evolved independently naturalized hibiscus ants Hemiptera colonized island Mo’orea, French Polynesia centuries apart.  For this study, a geographic survey was conducted across 7 plots, which revealed relationship be present broad range habitats. Manipulative field experiments were also ran order classify association as mutualism, parasitism or commensalism. These quantified changes abundances behaviors response different availabilities sugar resources ants. Results from these support hypothesis is indeed where all players receive net benefit with one another. resultant finding geographically widespread mutualism contributes invasion meltdowns. The discovery success invader-invader ecosystem growing body research synergistic multiple meltdowns.