Ant Diversity Research Articles

Diversity and Abundance of Ants from Tehsil Nerwa of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study focused on diversity, abundance and functional groups of ants from Tehsil Nerwa of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 693 ant specimens representing 33 species belonging to 22 genera of 4 subfamilies were collected. Myrmicinae is the most diverse and abundant subfamily. Dolichoderinae is the least diverse subfamily while Ponerinae is the least abundant subfamily. During this study also reports range extension of 3 invasive species. 2 Species are endemic to the region. In this study seven functional groups of ants were identified. These are: “Generalized Myrmicinae”, “Opportunists”, “Subordinate Camponotini”, “Hot climate Specialists”, “Cold climate Specialists”, “Cryptic Species”, and “Specialist Predators”. The area is very susceptible to anthropogenic activity, as indicated by the prevalence of invasive species there. Therefore, some stringent measures should be taken to preserve the deteriorating ecosystem of the study area.

The Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Leaf-Litter Dwelling Ants in the Tropical Dry Forest of the Colombian Caribbean

There have been few advances in understanding the organization and dynamics of ants in tropical dry forests. The latter are a seriously threatened ecosystem, and ants are important indicators of diversity, disturbance, and restoration in forest ecosystems. Using diversity data and morphofunctional traits, we evaluated the spatial and temporal variation of taxonomic and functional ant groups; in addition, we explored the variation in functional traits and diversity among communities. Ants were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons using mini-Winkler bags. A total of 9 subfamilies, 57 genera, and 146 species were collected. Ant species composition and richness varied both spatially (75 to 119 species) and temporally (121 and 127 species). The fragments from N2 and N3 showed higher diversity than those from N1. The dissimilarity among all areas was moderate (50–60%), mainly attributable to species turnover processes (77%). Twenty functional groups were identified. The N3 fragments had the highest functional diversity, with lower resistance to species loss, while the N1 and N2 fragments reduced functional diversity and increased similarity among species. Our results highlight the importance of integrating a functional analysis with the taxonomic assessment of ants as an important contribution to understanding the organization and dynamics of this community of insects that inhabit the tropical dry forest.

Reaching new heights: Arboreal ant diversity in a North American temperate forest ecosystem

Abstract Most canopy insect research takes place in tropical forests, where communities are highly vertically stratified. However, temperate forest canopies also provide critical resources to many species and are under intense pressure from global change drivers. The relative lack of knowledge regarding temperate canopy insect ecology impedes our forest management and conservation decisions such that we may be losing temperate canopy biodiversity before we know it exists. We directly compared ant diversity and community composition on the ground and in the tree canopy of North American temperate deciduous forests for the first time. We also evaluated two canopy sampling methods—baits and hand collections. We collected 34 ant species from 102 trees across seven sites. Ant diversity was greater on the ground than in the canopy, and species turnover created distinct communities across vertical strata. Only 12% of species were exclusively arboreal, but 47% were collected in both strata, indicating the canopy is an important resource for temperate ants, even if they are not restricted there. Baiting and hand‐collecting recovered similar species richness, but whether baits captured a subset of hand‐collected species or a unique assemblage was site‐dependent. Nevertheless, we suggest that these methods are most effective in conjunction. Hand collection allowed us to document arboreal nests of 10 species, including the invasive needle ant, Brachyponera chinensis, which was previously thought to be strictly terrestrial. Our results emphasise the importance of including the canopy in temperate forest ecology and conservation assessments.

Impact on Ant Communities by Chemical Pesticides Applied in Controlling the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) in the Field

The red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta Buren) represents a significant invasive pest in China, exerting extensive negative impacts on ecosystems. The invasion of RIFA not only poses a severe threat to biodiversity within the environment; inappropriate controlling measures can also adversely affect community dynamics. Therefore, while implementing effective management strategies to control the proliferation of RIFA populations, it is imperative to evaluate the potential effects of these measures on the structure of local biological communities to safeguard native biodiversity. This study employs a “two-step method” using dust and bait formulations, respectively, to control RIFA while conducting ecological monitoring to further assess the impact of RIFA population decline on ant communities. The results of RIFA management showed that after post-treatment periods of 28 days, 35 days, and 60 days, the worker ant reduction rates for the three insecticides—0.5% beta-cypermethrin dust, 1.0% hydramethylnon bait, and 0.1% indoxacarb bait—reached approximately 72%, with their efficacy ranked as follows: 1.0% hydramethylnon bait > 0.1% indoxacarb bait > 0.5% beta-cypermethrin dust. By the 60th day of the experiment, the ant nest reduction rates reached their highest values—66.84% for 0.5% beta-cypermethrin dust, 77.89% for 1.0% hydramethylnon bait, and 87.52% for 0.1% indoxacarb bait—with the latter performing the best. Meanwhile, the occurrence level of RIFAs in all three pesticide treatment areas decreased from level III to level I 60 days post-treatment. Following the application of these three insecticides, the RIFA population significantly decreased, leading to an increase in species richness within the ant community. The reduction in RIFA numbers had a positive impact on the restoration of ant community diversity, as evidenced by significant improvements in both diversity and evenness indices. Notably, 0.1% indoxacarb bait was particularly effective in enhancing the ant community diversity and species richness, while 1.0% hydramethylnon bait was more effective in improving community evenness. These findings indicate that the controlling strategy used in this study not only effectively manages RIFA populations but also promotes recovery and contributes to the ecological balance of local ant communities, providing an important reference for future biodiversity conservation efforts.

Functional traits mediate ant community assembly in a West African savannah-forest mosaic (Côte d'Ivoire)

African forest-savannah mosaics are complex landscapes holding mixtures of woody grasslands (savannah) and different forest systems (gallery forests and forest islands). In these landscapes, ants are highly diverse and perform essential ecosystem services, however, the assembly of ant communities in African forest-savannah mosaics is poorly understood. Here we showed the diversity and species overlap of ant communities in three habitats of the West African savannah and quantified the contribution of thermal tolerances and trophic ecology to community assembly. We investigated ant diversity in the West African Comoé National Park (Côte d'Ivoire) at 16 sites of three habitat types within a forest-savannah mosaic: continuous gallery forest, isolated forest islands and savannah. Across all sites, we collected a total of 91 species from 35 genera from three strata: trees, leaf litter, and soil. Additionally, we assessed differences in functional traits (trophic groups and thermal tolerance) between habitat types and strata. Though species richness was similar in all three habitats, there was a clear separation in species assemblages and functional traits between the two forest habitats and the savannah. Species assemblage shifts were primarily due to species turnover between savannah and forest habitats. In addition, the turnover in species assemblages from forests to savannah habitats was associated with a change in the thermal tolerance of species and in the proportion of trophobionts and predators. Forest and savannah habitats support distinct ant communities with different functional traits and contribute additively to the landscape-scale diversity of the West African ant fauna. Land-use and park management should focus on conserving both savannah and forest sites in tropical protected areas such as the Comoé National Park.

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.

The Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Industrial Forest in Sungai Merah Village, Sarolangun, Jambi with Its Identification Key

Ants have a very important role in an ecosystem. The insects act as decomposers, pollinators, soil aerators, pest controllers, and predators. Their role is very varied so that they can be easily found in various ecosystems, one of which is the rubber and oil palm ecosystem. The ant’s diversity in this forest eventually will affect the productivity of the land. The aim of this study is to determine the diversity and role of ants in the rubber and oil palm plantations in Sungai Merah Village. Both of the plantations dominate the industrial forest in Jambi. The method used in this study was purposive random sampling. Observation plots were installed in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations; each ecosystem had 4 plots consisting of 9 units of pitfall traps, and 9 units of bait traps. The results of this study show that 15 species of ants are found in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations. Furthermore, the collected ants consisted of 39.972 individual ants belonging to 12 genera and 5 subfamilies. Ants establish in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations in Sungai Merah Village have an important role either as predators (Crematogaster spp., Odontomachus rixosus, Odontoponera tranversa, Pheidole huberi, Tetraponera rufonigra, Tapinoma melanocephalum, Camponotus spp. and Colobopsis moeschi), or foragers such as ants from the genera Anoplolepis, Camponotus, Monomorium and Polyrhachis. As predators, Oecophylla smaragdina, Camponotus spp. and Crematogaster spp. also play a role as biological control agents in the ecosystem.

The diversity of ants in moderately isolated islands of Japan: towards understanding of factors affecting their colonisation success

ABSTRACT How species diversity is determined is an old question in community ecology but is not yet well understood. Island biotas offer opportunities to address this issue. Here, the ant fauna was studied in five moderately isolated islands of Japan and compared with those in reference regions on the nearby main islands to assess whether ants’ ecological characteristics affect their island colonisation success. Species that were more abundant in the reference regions were more frequently found on the islands, suggesting that ant communities on these islands are likely to have a nested subset structure. Species inhabiting both forests and open lands tended to occur more frequently in the study islands at least than those exclusively inhabiting forests, but this difference was not significant. In addition, nest sites and worker body size did not have significant effects on their occurrence in these islands. These results seem to suggest that the study islands as a whole offer various environments that support a variety of ant species with different ecological characteristics. It is suggested in this study that island size affects the species richness, as has often been reported.

Viral diversity and co-evolutionary dynamics across the ant phylogeny.

Knowledge of viral biodiversity within insects, particularly within ants, is extremely limited with only a few environmental viruses from invasive ant species identified to date. This study documents and explores the viral communities in ants. We comprehensively profile the metagenomes of a phylogenetically broad group of 35 ant species with varied ecological traits and report the discovery of 3710 novel and unique ant-associated viral genomes. These previously unknown viruses discovered within this study constitute over 95% of all currently described ant viruses, significantly increasing our knowledge of the ant virosphere. The identified RNA and DNA viruses fill gaps in insect-associated viral phylogenies and uncover evolutionary histories characterized by both frequent host switching and co-divergence. Many ants also host diverse bacterial communities, and we discovered that approximately one-third of these new ant-associated viruses are bacteriophages. Two ecological categories, bacterial abundance in the host and habitat degradation are both correlated with ant viral diversity and help to structure viral communities within ants. These data demonstrate that the ant virosphere is remarkably diverse phylogenetically and genomically and provide a substantial foundation for studies in virus ecology and evolution within eukaryotes. We highlight the importance of studying insect-associated viruses in natural ecosystems in order to more thoroughly and effectively understand host-microbe evolutionary dynamics.

THE BUXA TIGER RESERVE AS A ‘HOT SPOT’ OF ANT DIVERSITY IN WEST BENGAL STATE (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Totally 126 species from 43 genera and 7 subfamilies of ants have been found in the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Of them Tetramorium curtulum Emery, 1895, Calyptomyrmex friederikae Kutter, 1976 and Dolichoderus brevis Santschi, 1920 are recorded from India for the first time. Six rare species are also found here, viz. Gesomyrmex spatulatus Cole, 1949, Rhopalomastix rothneyi Forel, 1900, Colobopsis cotesii (Forel, 1893), Colobopsis vitrea angustula (Emery, 1925), and Camponotus selene (Emery, 1889). The diversity and distribution pattern of different species opens avenue for considering this protected area as a gene pool for ant diversity in West Bengal.

New genus and species of ponerine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Mexican amber

ABSTRACT A new genus and species of ponerine ant from Mexican amber, Siinikaponera sulimata, is described and illustrated. The type material is an amber inclusion from the Montecristo mine in Chiapas, Mexico, which dates back to the Oligo-Miocene period. Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. shares traits with other ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, including the outer edges of the frontal lobes forming simple short semicircles or blunt triangles, presence of promesonotal suture, meso- and metatibia with 0–2 spurs, antenna with 12 segments, constriction between the first and second gastral tergite well impressed, presence of sting, complete wing venation, and complete cell patterns. Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. also has unique features that separate it from other ponerine ants, such as fore, middle and hind tibiae with two spurs each, anterior margin of clypeus with two anteriorly projecting lobes, mandible dentition pattern, posterior peduncle of petiole long, and presence of relatively long coxae. A distinctive feature of Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. is the presence of two projecting lobes on the anterior clypeal margin, a plesiomorphic character shared with the genus Dinoponera. Accordingly, this new fossil record offers valuable insights into the worldwide diversity and distribution of ponerine ants.

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.

Contribution of Omnidirectional Flight Traps to Assess the Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Diversity in an Agroforestry System

Contribution of Omnidirectional Flight Traps to Assess the Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Diversity in an Agroforestry System

Трансформація оселищ і її вплив на зообіоту

The history of the use of the term “habitat” is considered. It is emphasized that this term refers to the habitat of a particular animal species or population and is determined by their ranges. The factors that lead to the destruction of habitats of many populations on the lowlands and in the highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians are indicated. Attention is drawn to the degradation of mountain lakes and streams as habitats for aquatic hydrobionts. Among the factors that cause the destruction of habitats, the factors of both natural and anthropogenic origin are identified: climate change, absolute protection of territories, demutational processes, uncontrolled recreation activities, changes in traditional land use, water chemiсal composition and pollution, the appearance of invasive plants, urbanization, etc. The synergistic effect of these factors leads to rapid habitat change, and thus to the loss of adaptive capacity of individuals of different species to the changed conditions of their habi­tats. Among the objects of our study are such taxa as planktonic crustaceans (Cladocera), ants (Formicidae), lampreys (Cyclostomata), ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii), amphibians (Amphibia) and birds (Aves). It was found, in particular, that deciduous forest habitats are the most favorable for the existence of a significant diversity of ants. The mega-habitats for amphibians were identified as a complex of individual habitats that vary during the vegetation season and are connected by migration routes. The key habitat in Western Polissia, as an example, can be the Unychi wetland, which is home to a number of rare bird species. The nest-building behavior of birds under the influence of anthropogenic factors also undergoes changes - its species-specific appearance and composition of nesting materials are transformed in response to habitat pollution. In addition, the study showed that the use of invasive trees and shrubs for urban greenery has a negative impact on the diversity of urban bird fauna, as it paradoxically reduces the number of nesting and foraging habitats for birds. It is proposed to identify key habitats for the populations of rare and endangered animal species within the protected areas and on the non-protected ones, to indicate their locations and the type of management approach (protection, restoration, reconstruction, etc.).

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.

Biochar soil addition alters ant functional traits as exemplified with three species

The response of soil microorganisms and plants in soil ecosystems to biochar is well recognised. However, biochars’ impact on large soil animal, such as ants, is inadequately understood, with only limited studies focusing on the abundance and mortality rates of some specific ant species. In this study, soil physicochemical properties, and ant community diversity and functional characteristics were compared between experimental plots with and without biochar application. No significant differences in soil (soil physicochemical properties) or ants (ant community richness, species abundance, and morphological characteristics) were observed between the two plots before biochar application. However, the biochar-treated plot soil surface temperatures, pH, and soil water content were significantly higher after 48 weeks. Biochar application promoted Cardiocondyla nuda (by 426%) and Formica japonica abundance (by 93%), but decreased Solenopsis invicta invasive ant species richness (by 54%), consistent with the fact that changes in soil properties were more beneficial to the former two species. In addition, in biochar-treated plots, F. japonica and S. invicta generally showed larger body size (18% and 6.7%), larger eyes (2.7% and 4.0%), and longer femurs (6.3% and 7.9%), which enabled them to respond better to potential barriers, such as plants. Our results highlighted that, besides species abundance and community structure, certain ant functional morphological indicators were also informative in evaluating biochar ecological implications.Graphical abstract

Diversity and Species Composition of Ants in Urban and Suburban Environments in Bejaia City (Algeria)

We conducted an ant inventory in urban and suburban spaces in Bejaia city to deal with this need for more information about ant biodiversity in the Algerian urban environment. The two methods, hand collecting and pitfall traps, are carried out 24 days in three months (May, June, and July) of 2022. In the urban habitats, 2,653 ant individuals were collected, comprising ten species, six genera and three subfamilies. In the suburban habitats, 6,706 ant specimens were collected, comprising 19 species, 11 genera, and three subfamilies. The most abundant subfamilies in both urban and suburban habitats are Formicinae, followed by Myrmicinae and Dolichoderinae. The results showed that suburban habitats are more diversified (H’= 1.72) than urban habitats (H’= 1.25). The equitability values for suburban and urban habitats are moderate, with 0.58 and 0.54, respectively. The Jaccard similarity index value is 0.45, indicating an essential turnover of ant species between urban and suburban habitats. The ant community’s composition differed between sampled sites (NMDS, Stress = 0.013). The average dissimilarity (as per SIMPER) was 90.37%. Four species (T. simrothi, L. cf. grandis, P. cicatricosa, and L. myops) contributed to 70% of the differences between sites of urban and suburban habitats.

Assessment of Ant (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) Diversity from Kuthuparamba Area of Kannur District, Kerala, India

Importance of ants in our ecosystem is well recognized. Abundance and stability make the ant population one of the most successful insect groups in the ecosystem. Present investigation was carried out to assess the ant diversity in Kuthuparamba region, Kannur District in Kerala state. Results showed 13 genera of ants representing three subfamilies. The subfamily Myrmicinae was found to be dominant with six genera followed by Formicinae with four genera and Ponerinae with three genera.

Microhabitats shape ant community structure in a spatially heterogeneous grassy woodland

AbstractHabitat structure is a key determinant of local animal diversity, with attributes of vegetation such as cover or complexity generating key resources for different species. However, habitat–diversity relationships can vary across spatial scales, and among different taxa and ecosystem types. Here we report on a study of habitat structure and its effects on ant communities at two spatial scales in a temperate grassy woodland characterized by heterogenous tree and grassland cover. We examined species richness and the occurrence of ground‐dwelling ant species at (1) microhabitat scales defined by a triplet of sites comprising open ground, adjacent to a log, and under a tree, each separated by a few meters, and (2) at macrohabitat scales defined by sites grouped into broader vegetation types defined by low or high levels of shrub and tree cover and separated by 100s of meters. We identified 117 species of ant from 41 genera, from a total of 155,004 individuals collected. Ant community composition differed significantly among microhabitats and macrohabitats, but mean species richness only differed at the microhabitat scale where it was the highest under trees and lower adjacent to logs and in open ground. Notably, ant species within the genera Iridomyrmex, Monomorium, and Pheidole displayed a spectrum of microhabitat preferences, highlighting the ecological flexibility within these groups. By contrast, all species of Melophorus preferred open habitat and all species of Camponotus preferred habitat under trees. Our study shows that ant communities in grassy woodlands are structured by vegetation cover and habitat “openness” most strongly at “microhabitat” scales, which is likely due to a distinct combination of thermal and foraging attributes that vary across relatively small distances. Our results also suggest that broad classifications of ants into functional types based on vegetation preference may not be applicable at small scales where species within the same genus can display contrasting preferences. Land management that promotes habitat heterogeneity at small spatial scales may promote species coexistence and benefit ant diversity more than management activities focusing on larger spatial scales within the same ecosystem.