Ant Species Diversity Research Articles

Ant Diversity of Isolated Land Masses in Ashtamudi Lake Ramsar Site, Kollam, Kerala, India

Ashtamudi Lake is one of the three designated Ramsar sites of International importance in Kerala. This wetland has many isolated landmasses, few with human habitation and few without and thus supplements to its uniqueness. This study is an attempt to assess the diversity of ant species in these isolated landmasses and to understand if there is any difference in the distribution of ants in accordance with disturbances due to human habitation. The study was conducted for two years from 2021 to 2023. The study area comprises four isolated land masses - two without human habitation and two with human habitation. Ants were collected using different methods as described by Gadagkar et al. [1] and Agosti et al. [2] and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol [2]. Overall 36 ant species were identified from isolated land masses without human habitation and 33 ant species were identified from isolated land masses with human habitation. Myrmicinae is the richest subfamily in both types of land masses and Crematogaster and Camponotus are the abundant genera in both kinds of land masses. Nineteen ant species were recorded in common from both kinds of isolated land masses. The sorensen Similarity index between the two kinds of land masses is 0.55. The difference in the species composition suggests that the two types of isolated land masses provide varied environment which may lead to its unique species diversity.

ANT SPECIES DIVERSITY (HYMENOPTERA, FORMICIDAE) IN THE PURWODADI BOTANICAL GARDENS, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

The ant species diversity in tropical Asia has been investigated in several locations, however, these studies mainly focused on well preserved forests or plantations. The ant fauna in urban parks has only been investigated in a limited number of locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, and Indonesia. We investigated the ant fauna in the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens, East Java, and compared it to the ant fauna obtained in the Bogor Botanical Gardens. In the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens, we employed the following sampling methods that were also carried out in Bogor: (1) visual searching of ants on tree trunks, (2) visual searching of litter and top-soil ants by hand sifting (3) visual searching of ant colonies, (4) visual searching of foraging workers. In total, 109 species in 44 genera from 9 subfamilies were collected. The number of species collected from litter and soil in Purwodadi was remarkably smaller than that in Bogor, while the ant species diversity on tree trunks was similar to that of Bogor. Of the109 species, 68 were common to Bogor. Arboreal ants were more similar than ground ants between Bogor and Purwodadi.

Ant Species Richness and Diversity in Selected Habitats in Chavara Panchayath, Kollam District, Kerala, India

Ants are an important part of the ecosystem not only because of their huge biomass but also because of their role in the ecosystem. The aim of this study is to address the diversity and abundance of ants in Chavara panchayat, Kollam district, Kerala. The study records a total of 16 ant species belongs to 1 family, 7 tribes, and 3 subfamilies in Chavara panchayat, which provides a brief scenario and improves our knowledge the diversity and distribution of the myrmecofauna in the region. The subfamilies include Formicinae (4 genera and 7 species), Myrmicinae (5 genera and 6 species), and Ponerinae (3 genera and 3 species). Formicinae was the most diverse subfamily, Myrmicinae was the most abundant tribe, and Ponerinae was the least abundant and most diverse subfamily. Biodiversity indices show that the study area has high biodiversity and species richness.

The Diversity of Ants (Formicidae) in Gunung Palung National Park as a Biology Learning Resource

Gunung Palung National Park (GPNP) has a diversity of ant, but the information as a source of learning is still lacking. This study aims to determine the diversity of ant species in the TNGP area and its potential as a source of learning. Research using descriptive qualitative method. Sampling used a pitfall trap placed on a line transect that passes through an alluvial soil forest. Collecting data on potential learning resources using the results of a questionnaire. The results showed that there were 90 individuals from 9 ant species specifically Dinomyrmex gigas, Polyrhachis bihamata, Rhytidoponera araneoides, Dolichoderus thoracicus, Axinidris Acholli, Hagensia havilandi, Myrmicaria brunnea, Anonychomyrma myrmex, Notostigma carazzii. The diversity of species of ants has the potential as a source of learning with indicators of clarity of potential (85%), ease of access (58.33%), security (91.66%), time efficiency (75%), cost (91.66%), suitability with learning objectives (100%), clarity of material objectives (100%), and clarity of information disclosed (100%). This research shows that information about ant diversity is very suitable as a source of learning biology, especially in the subjects of biology, biodiversity, and the classification of living things.

Regionally unique ant assemblages associated with community‐based conservation in northwestern Ghana

AbstractCommunity‐based conservation can play an important role in preserving biodiversity, but it is unclear whether such benefits extend to invertebrate communities; in particular, baseline data for insect communities is lacking to assess efficacy of conservation efforts. Here we evaluate ant assemblages across three habitats, protected within the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) in the Upper West Region of Ghana. We compare relative ant species diversity and uniqueness between the sanctuary's Guinea savannah, riparian forest, and floodplain habitats. Ants were collected with other invertebrates using malaise traps, pitfall traps, and yellow pan traps between 2001 and 2011 multiple times per year. From these data, we compiled a list of ant species found, castes collected, and functional groups, and evaluated the differences in ant diversity among the habitats using accumulation curves, assemblage structure comparison, and Morisita‐Horn indices. We also compared the overall WCHS assemblage to other ant assemblages in Western Africa to gain a clearer understanding of relative diversity and uniqueness. We collected 83 species from seven subfamilies and 44 genera; 14 of the species were previously unrecorded in Ghana, including one ant species new to science. Ant species diversity differed among habitats in assemblage composition but not significantly in species richness. We found that the WCHS ant assemblage was relatively unique, sharing only about 35% of species found in similar Côte d'Ivoire habitats, and 25% of other Ghanaian assemblages. Some species present in the WCHS were not found in any of the other compared assemblages. We conclude that community‐based conservation initiatives like the WCHS may play an important role in conserving the biodiversity of ants.

Preliminary data on the ants, species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the north of the Republic of Moldova

The paper provides the results of the study of the ant species diversity, collected in 1999, 2019–2021 years from different habitats found in the north of the Republic of Moldova. A total of 103 specimens were collected and 18 species of ants were identified, belonging to 6 genera and 2 subfamilies Formicinae and Myrmicinae. Among revealed ant species 14 are collected for the first time for the northern region of the Republic of Moldova. One species Formica rufa is internationally protected, included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. List of species, GPS of localities, date of collection and number of specimens are included.

Effects of Peri-Urbanization on Coastal Sage Scrub Ant Species in Baja California

Increasing urbanization on the Baja California Peninsula threatens ant diversity. Reductions in ant species diminish ecosystem services provided to semiarid coastal scrub areas. Peri-urban areas in particular are at high risk of reductions in ant biodiversity due to development. To document and evaluate ant species diversity and richness in a rapidly developing area, nine sites were sampled within areas of coastal sage scrub (CSS) encircling the urban periphery of Ensenada, Baja California. Forty species and 17 genera of ants were collected, only one of which was non-native. Although the sampled area represents less than 1% of the peninsula and 3% of the State of Baja California, approximately one-third of the total species recorded for the peninsula and state were collected. Environmental variables (compass orientation, slope, and vegetation cover) were not significant determinants of species richness. Sandy soils were associated with the highest species abundance, richness, and functional diversity of feeding guilds. Despite limitations, our results present a historically significant snapshot of ant diversity in the sage scrub areas surrounding Ensenada. Sandy regions of semiarid coastal scrub are prime conservation management areas as they support the greatest functional diversity and have the highest potential to supply environmental services to the surrounding CSS ecosystem.

Ant Species Diversity in the Central and Northern Parts of the Western Sichuan Plateau in China

Understanding how species richness changes along elevational gradients has attracted increasing attention from many researchers. The relationships between species richness and elevations were characterized by monotonic decreases or mid-elevational peaks. The western Sichuan Plateau is an important species diversity hotspot. However, there is little information available about the ant species diversity and distribution patterns of this region. In this study, we hypothesize that ant diversity will show a monotonic decrease from mid-elevation with increasing elevation. Here, the ant species diversity and distribution patterns of this region were investigated by plot surveys. A total of 22,645 ants were collected from eight elevational transects in the central and northern parts of the western Sichuan Plateau, which were identified as belonging to 40 species, 18 genera, and 4 subfamilies. We found a unimodal relationship between elevation and ant species richness, with the highest ant species richness occurring at mid-elevations. The similarity coefficient of ant communities in each elevational transect was at a moderate level of dissimilarity, indicating that the elevation difference and habitat heterogeneity had a great impact on ant communities in the central and northern areas of the western Sichuan Plateau.

Capixaba ant species inventory is far from complete: A local scale assessment of the ants (Formicidae) reveals the importance of diversity studies and entomological collections

The Atlantic Forest is the third largest biome in Brazil, the most sampled, and has the second highest diversity of ant species described. However, these data are spatially very heterogeneous, with the central region of the Atlantic Forest being better sampled. There is a visible gap from the south of Bahia to the north of Rio de Janeiro, comprising the entire state of Espírito Santo. Knowing this biodiversity gap, in this work, we list the ant fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) deposited in the Coleção Entomológica of the Reserva Natural Vale (CERNV), located in the municipality of Linhares, Espírito Santo. The CERNV has 143 ants collected from August 1984, belonging to 63 species, 29 genera, and eight subfamilies. Of the 143 records, 94 are ant workers (66%), 27 queens (19%), and 22 males (15%). Seventy three percent of the ant workers are identified, 52% of queens and 36% of males. The species with the most individuals deposited are Camponotus sp. (15 records), Eciton burchellii (8), Atta sexdens (7), Neoponera villosa (7), and Solenopsis sp. (6). Among the identified ants, 12 species were recorded for the first time in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The collection still holds workers (and probably unidentified males) of a species considered endangered, Dinoponera lucida. We can observe the importance of biological collections for the knowledge of biodiversity, local and regional since species are recorded for the first time in a state whose biome is widely studied, helping to fill in Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls.

Diversity patterns of ants and termites in forest‐savanna mosaic habitats in two protected areas of Cameroon

AbstractKnowledge of ant and termite distribution and ecology is limited for transitional ecosystems in Central Africa. As ants and termites are the primary food for several insectivorous mammals, conservation strategies of threatened species can be strengthened with information on their key food resources. We investigated the ant and termite diversity of two protected areas located in a forest‐savanna transition zone in central Cameroon: Mpem et Djim National Park (MDNP) and Deng‐Deng National Park (DDNP). Ants and termites were collected along 100 line transects using pitfall and bait traps and hand‐sampling during major dry and rainy seasons in seven habitat types. Overall, 14,093 ant individuals representing 108 species, 29 genera, and six subfamilies were recorded. Myrmicinae was the most speciose subfamily in DDNP, while Formicinae dominated in MDNP. The most speciose genus was Crematogaster in both parks. Tapinoma melanocephalum and Pheidole sp. 3 were the most common species recorded in MDNP and DDNP respectively. Ant species richness was highest in near primary forest in DDNP, while richness was greater in the secondary forest of MDNP. Ant communities were more diversified in DDNP than in MDNP. In MDNP, the ant species richness and diversity were highest in the secondary forest and lowest in saltworks, while DDNP near primary forest species richness was highest and swamps lowest. A total of 89 species of termite representing 33 genera and nine subfamilies were recorded from a sample of 56,798 individuals. Termite species richness was similar at DDNP and MDNP. Macrotermitinae was the most common subfamily in both protected areas. The most species‐rich termite genus was Isognathotermes in both parks. Macrotermes amplus in DDNP and Reticulitermes sp. in MDNP respectively, were the most commonly sampled termite species. Near primary forest yielded more termite species in DDNP and MDNP than in other habitat types. Termites and ants' communities were more species‐rich and diversified in relatively closed‐canopy and low‐disturbed forest habitats than in savanna and flooded habitats.

Effects of Vegetation Structure on Ant Diversity in Different Seasonal Periods in Impacted Fragments of Atlantic Forest

The destruction of forest habitats generates extremely fragmented areas and changes in vegetation structure. That changes the characteristics of microhabitats and the availability of resources and affects the diversity of animal species such as ants, which are a large group with an important ecological role. As ants forage on trees and shrubs, the vegetation structure can affect the presence of these organisms. Abiotic factors such as seasonality can also influence the diversity of the ant community. Based on that, this study aimed to investigate the distribution of the diversity of ant species that forage on plants in different seasonal periods. The study was carried out in eight secondary forest fragments of the Atlantic Forest. We used additive partitioning of diversity, partitioning of β diversity and canonical correspondence analysis to measure the effect of seasonality and vegetation structure on the distribution of ant species diversity. The rainy season positively influences the diversity of ants that forage on plants. Composition was affected by shrub leaf density in the rainy season and by tree circumference in the dry. Each fragment preserved a different pool of ant species, and the vegetation structure positively influenced ant diversity. These results highlight the importance of conserving the majority of forest fragments to better preserve the pool of ant species regionally.

Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Species Diversity of the Western Sichuan Plateau in China

Abstract Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) diversity, with respect to elevation and the similarity of different ant communities therein, was identified in the southern portion of the Western Sichuan Plateau in China. Thirty plots were established in four elevation zones to serve as sampling areas for ants. We collected 19,235 ants in the survey. Those represented 68 species, 23 genera, and 4 subfamilies (including 13 undetermined species). The three dominant species in terms of abundance were Lasius himalayanus Bingham, Formica fusca L., and Myrmica kozlovi Ruzsky. We also found that the number of species, population density, the diversity, and dominance indices of the ant communities displayed a multidomain effect with an increase in elevation. The similarity coefficient of ant communities in each zone of elevation ([q] 0.2239–0.5217, medium similar level [occupying 17%], medium dissimilar level [occupying 50%], and dissimilar level [occupying 33%]) showed that differences in elevation and in habitat heterogeneity had a large impact on ant communities in the study area. Ant species diversity at each elevation sampled was not disturbed by human activities. The similarity coefficient of ant communities at the different zones of elevation was low. Therefore, ant species diversity was relatively high, indicating a higher conservation value in Sichuan Province.

Edge effects on ant diversity and functional composition in a forest fragment in the Central Amazon

The process of human-induced forest fragmentation increases the degree of isolation and causes biodiversity loss. Abrupt changes occur mainly near the edge of the fragment, where the average temperature is relatively higher and the humidity is lower. However, some natural environmental characteristics, such as higher air moisture in riparian areas, may buffer or minimize the edge effects. Here, we studied how the edge effect may affect ant species diversity and functional composition on valleys dissected by small streams (mesic areas). We categorized ant assemblages into the functional groups based on foraging, nesting habits, natural history information, and phylogeny. Ants were sampled using pitfalls and the Winkler extractor in ten riparian plots in a fragment of the Central Amazon. We individually fit the ant species richness, occurrence, and composition against two edge measures: forest edge distance and road-building distance. We recorded 99 species/morphospecies. Forest edge distance and road-building distance did not influence the occurrence and number of ant species per plot but were related to ant species composition. Moreover, there was not a clear pattern between functional groups distribution, except by leaf-cutters and generalist omnivorous species. Our results suggest a limited effect of forest edge distance and road-building distance on ant diversity

Checklist of Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Species from Nyungwe Tropical Rain Forest, South-Western Rwanda

Tropical rain forests are inhabited by a wide range of plant and animal diversity. However, little is known about the diversity of ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) species in these areas. To fill the gap, a study has been conducted in seven sites inside Nyungwe National Park, a tropical rain forest located in South-Western Rwanda. Data have been collected in October 2021 through a quick sampling using pitfall traps, arboreal traps, baiting, Winklers, and hand searching of nests in leaf-litter, soil, rotten and fallen wood, and under stones. Collected ant specimens have been identified to subfamily, genus and species levels by using the identification keys. Names of species have been confirmed after comparing the findings with the specimens housed at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science (Brussels, Belgium) and at Kiko Gomez's personal collection (Barcelona, Spain). A total of 7 subfamilies, 28 genera and 74 species were sampled. The subfamily Myrmicicnae had more genera and species compared with other subfamilies. Further, 9 genera and 43 species were collected in Rwanda for the first time, while 13 species were potentially undescribed ant pecies. High number of species has been sampled in the sites located in secondary forest at Karamba (53 species) and Pindura (33 species). We recommend intensive sampling in other locations of Nyungwe tropical rainforest and in the rest of Rwanda mountain tropical rain forests to get a clear view on the diversity of ant species in Rwanda.

Ant Community Structure in Palm Oil Plantation Bordering Secondary Forest

Deforestation or functional change from forest to non-forest plays a role in changing ecosystems and species within it. Insects as one of the faunas in it is an interesting aspect to be studied, especially ants. The research was conducted in Nagari Gunung Selasih and Sungai Kambut, Pulau Punjung District, Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra from November 2017 to January 2018. This study aims to determine the diversity of ants in the palm oil plantation ecosystem bordering the forest ecosystem. This research takes the form of a survey where the Purposive Random Sampling method was used for points sampling. Hand Collecting, Bait Trap, and Pitfall Trap sampling methods were applied for each plant. Identification of the samples obtained was carried out at the Animal Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Andalas University, Padang. Total ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collected during the study were 3,046 individuals consisting of 5 subfamilies, 15 genera, and 29 species. The most dominant species was Anoplolepis graciliphes, followed by Odontoponera denticulate and Odontomachus simillimus. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the level of abundance and diversity of ant species is not directly affected by the distance from the forest ecosystem, but it is strongly influenced by the composition of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, altitude, and management of existing habitats and vegetation.

Ant biodiversity in a temperate urban environment

The southeastern United States is experiencing rapid environmental changes associated with urbanization. An ongoing question is understanding how such rapid changes impact biodiversity. Insects are recognized as serving important roles as indicators of overall ecological health. Specifically, the diversity and presence of ants can serve as indicators of environmental quality due to their ubiquitous presence across many terrestrial environments and their key role in numerous ecosystem processes. The aim of this study is to measure changes in ant biodiversity across an urban gradient in a temperate habitat. Food baits were set out across nine locations representing various degrees of urbanization as measured by percent impervious surface. Results show the abundance of ants significantly increased with increasing urbanization, with more generalist species found in great abundance in highly urbanized areas. However, a significant difference in ant species diversity across the urban gradient was not detected. The findings are consistent with other urban studies that showed an increase in the abundance of generalist species in urban areas. As the southeast United States continue to undergo urbanization to meet the demands of a growing human population, it is important for developers and ecologists to consider ways in which urban design can facilitate biodiversity, as levels of biodiversity will ultimately impact urban ecosystem function and the subsequent health of all occupants.

Ant species diversity along the vertical zones of the east slope of Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province

Ant species diversity along the vertical zones of the east slope of Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province

Diversity of Ant Species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) along Cauvery River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India

Ants are the social insects under the order Hymenoptera are playing an important role in the ecosystem. They help human beings as seed dispersal agent, pollinators and controlling harmful insect pest. They are the most divergent group of insect distributed universally and constitute greater part of biomass. They play very important role in the ecosystem by enriching soil fertility, decomposing process, etc. Congregation of ants indicates the environmental disturbance in an ecosystem. Among the insect communities ants communicate each other through pheromones secretion and obedient characters follow each other for searching food, collection and storing their food in safer place of their tunnel. They depend both plant and animal matters as food item for them. Ants are the species which is an architect to build the burrow is an evident of engineering system in the ecosystem. The present study investigate the diversity of ant species in and around the Kumbakonam area of Cauvery delta region and recorded 21 species of ants under 14 genera and four subfamilies. The recorded four subfamilies of ants, Formicinae was the dominant subfamily in terms of species richness followed by Dolichoderinae, Myrmicinae and Ponerinae. This study may bring out the availability of ant species in the region and make as a preliminary research on ants in the future researchers.

Keanekaragaman Serangga Tanah di Tegakan Kenanga (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson) dengan Perlakuan Pemupukan

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson) or ylang- ylang from the Annonaceae family is one of the forests. This study aimed to determine the diversity and abundance of soil surface insects in Kenanga (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson) stands that were treated with fertilization. The research procedure includes determining the location of observations, taking samples using the pitfall trap method, measuring environmental factors, identifying insects, and analyzing data. The total number of soil fauna in the pre-fertilized treatment was found to be 14 orders and 1421 individuals, while for the post-fertilized treatment was found to be 16 orders and 2108 individuals. In each plot, there was an increase in the number of individuals who it was given fertilizer treatment except for fertilizer treatment. The factor of increasing individual insects is not only from fertilizer application but also from micro-habitat factors, namely the amount of litter, undergrowth, temperature and humidity. The morphospecies that experienced the most significant increase in the number of individuals was Formicidae. A relatively high index of ant species diversity was found in the control plot.
 Keywords: Cananga odorata, biodiversity, fertilizer, insects

Bioactivity Profiling of In Silico Predicted Linear Toxins from the Ants Myrmica rubra and Myrmica ruginodis.

The venoms of ants (Formicidae) are a promising source of novel bioactive molecules with potential for clinical and agricultural applications. However, despite the rich diversity of ant species, only a fraction of this vast resource has been thoroughly examined in bioprospecting programs. Previous studies focusing on the venom of Central European ants (subfamily Myrmicinae) identified a number of short linear decapeptides and nonapeptides resembling antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Here, we describe the in silico approach and bioactivity profiling of 10 novel AMP-like peptides from the fellow Central European myrmicine ants Myrmica rubra and Myrmica ruginodis. Using the sequences of known ant venom peptides as queries, we screened the venom gland transcriptomes of both species. We found transcripts of nine novel decapeptides and one novel nonapeptide. The corresponding peptides were synthesized for bioactivity profiling in a broad panel of assays consisting of tests for cytotoxicity as well as antiviral, insecticidal, and antimicrobial activity. U-MYRTX-Mrug5a showed moderately potent antimicrobial effects against several bacteria, including clinically relevant pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, but high concentrations showed negligible cytotoxicity. U-MYRTX-Mrug5a is, therefore, a probable lead for the development of novel peptide-based antibiotics.