Protocols
7 protocols
Experimental predator manipulation with colony establishment
Controlled experiment manipulating predator presence by establishing artificial aphid colonies, protecting them from natural predators, then adding lygus bugs to treatment plants. Includes ant bridge ...
Ant exclusion experiment on aphid colonies
Experimental manipulation using physical barriers to exclude ants from aphid colonies while maintaining control colonies with ant access. Uses paired treatment design on same plants to test effects of...
focal animal sampling (Cervidae)
Controlled experiment using feeding stations paired with predator scent cues to test antipredator behavioral responses. Individual feeding times are recorded to quantify vigilance behavior in response...
Ant chemical associative learning field assay (Formicidae)
A two-phase field protocol using training baits scented with plant chemicals followed by two-choice tests to assess whether ants form associative memories linking plant odors to carbohydrate rewards. ...
Snow melt manipulation experiment (Aphididae)
Experimental advancement of snow melt timing using shade cloth application to test effects on host plant phenology and aphid-plant interactions. Combined with temperature manipulation using open-top w...
Colony fragmentation and diet manipulation of Formica podzolica (Formicidae)
Wild ant colonies were collected and split into paired fragments, then maintained on controlled diets (carbohydrate vs protein-rich) to test effects of macronutrient balance on behavior. Colony fragme...
clay caterpillar predation bioassay
Artificial prey made from green modeling clay are deployed on tree branches to estimate bird attack rates over a standardized time period. Attack marks on clay allow identification of predator type an...