@article{rice_silverman_2013, title={Propagule Pressure and Climate Contribute to the Displacement of Linepithema humile by Pachycondyla chinensis}, volume={8}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0056281}, abstractNote={Identifying mechanisms governing the establishment and spread of invasive species is a fundamental challenge in invasion biology. Because species invasions are frequently observed only after the species presents an environmental threat, research identifying the contributing agents to dispersal and subsequent spread are confined to retrograde observations. Here, we use a combination of seasonal surveys and experimental approaches to test the relative importance of behavioral and abiotic factors in determining the local co-occurrence of two invasive ant species, the established Argentine ant (Linepithema humile Mayr) and the newly invasive Asian needle ant (Pachycondyla chinensis Emery). We show that the broader climatic envelope of P. chinensis enables it to establish earlier in the year than L. humile. We also demonstrate that increased P. chinensis propagule pressure during periods of L. humile scarcity contributes to successful P. chinensis early season establishment. Furthermore, we show that, although L. humile is the numerically superior and behaviorally dominant species at baits, P. chinensis is currently displacing L. humile across the invaded landscape. By identifying the features promoting the displacement of one invasive ant by another we can better understand both early determinants in the invasion process and factors limiting colony expansion and survival.}, number={2}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Rice, Eleanor Spicer and Silverman, Jules}, year={2013}, month={Feb} }
 @article{rice_silverman_2013, title={Submissive behaviour and habituation facilitate entry into habitat occupied by an invasive ant}, volume={86}, ISSN={["0003-3472"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.06.006}, abstractNote={An essential challenge in invasion ecology is discerning the role that behavioural adaptations play in competition among species. When evaluating the impacts of invasive species, the mechanisms underlying coexistence among organisms and the displacement of organisms within a community mosaic are often ignored, yet these interactions are necessary for fully understanding these impacts. Here, we examine behavioural mechanisms underlying the coexistence and subsequent displacement of an established global invader, the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr, by the newly invasive Asian needle ant, Pachycondyla chinensis Emery. In individual and group assays, we show that the numerically and behaviourally dominant Argentine ant is less aggressive towards P. chinensis workers from adjacent versus distant nests. Moreover, we show that P. chinensis displays submissive behaviour through recurrent contact with L. humile, which may contribute to the reported displacement of L. humile in the field. Understanding the factors that drive the coexistence of these two ants may help explain how small populations of a behaviourally submissive exotic species become established.}, number={3}, journal={ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR}, author={Rice, Eleanor Spicer and Silverman, Jules}, year={2013}, month={Sep}, pages={497–506} }
 @article{rice_shik_silverman_2012, title={Effect of Scattered and Discrete Hydramethylnon Bait Placement on the Asian Needle Ant}, volume={105}, ISSN={["1938-291X"]}, DOI={10.1603/ec12207}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT 
 The Asian needle ant (Pachycondyla chinensis Emery) is invading natural and disturbed habitats across the eastern United States. While recent studies document the impact of P. chinensis on native ecosystems and human health, effective control measures remain unknown. Thus, we evaluated the field performance of a hydramethylnon granular bait, Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait, dispersed in clumps or scattered against P. chinensis. We also measured the effect of this bait on P. chinensis outside of the treatment zone. Surprisingly, unlike reports for other ant species, we achieved nearly complete P. chinensis population reductions 1 d after treatments were applied. Significant ant reductions were achieved until the end of our study at 28 d. No difference was recorded between clumped and scattered application methods. We found no overall difference in ant reductions from the edge out to 5 m beyond the treatment zone. Other local ant species appeared to be unaffected by the bait and foraging activity increased slightly after P. chinensis removal from treated areas. We suggest that Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait can be effective in an Asian needle ant treatment program.}, number={5}, journal={JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY}, author={Rice, Eleanor Spicer and Shik, Jonathan Z. and Silverman, Jules}, year={2012}, month={Oct}, pages={1751–1757} }