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Microgeographical distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in coastal dune grassland and their relation to the soil structure and vegetation

Microgeographical distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in coastal dune grassland and... AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the microgeographical distribution of ants nests in an intensively grazed dune pasture. A total of seven species were recorded. By the application of a forward multiple logistic regression we were able to determine nesting choice for the three common species Lasius niger, L. psammophilus and Myrmica specioides. The first could be identified as a pioneer species, while the two latter species, which are typical of dry, sandy dune grounds, differ slightly in their nesting preference. The effect of nest building on soil structure was investigated for a mound-building species (Formica cunicularia) and for a non-mound-building species (Lasius psammophilus). Both species significantly decrease the thickness of the organic and water-capturing soil layer, while the mound-building species additionally affects the soil lime content (an increase) and the soil hardness (a decrease). Mound building in dense Calamagrostis vegetation also stimulates the germination of a characteristic and rare plant species, Thymus pulegioides. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Animal Biology Brill

Microgeographical distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in coastal dune grassland and their relation to the soil structure and vegetation

Bonte,; Dekoninck,; Provoost,; Cosijns,; Hoffmann,
Animal Biology , Volume 53 (4): 11 – Jan 1, 2003
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References (41)

Publisher
Brill
Copyright
Copyright © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands
ISSN
1570-7555
eISSN
1570-7563
DOI
10.1163/157075603322556274
Publisher site
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Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the microgeographical distribution of ants nests in an intensively grazed dune pasture. A total of seven species were recorded. By the application of a forward multiple logistic regression we were able to determine nesting choice for the three common species Lasius niger, L. psammophilus and Myrmica specioides. The first could be identified as a pioneer species, while the two latter species, which are typical of dry, sandy dune grounds, differ slightly in their nesting preference. The effect of nest building on soil structure was investigated for a mound-building species (Formica cunicularia) and for a non-mound-building species (Lasius psammophilus). Both species significantly decrease the thickness of the organic and water-capturing soil layer, while the mound-building species additionally affects the soil lime content (an increase) and the soil hardness (a decrease). Mound building in dense Calamagrostis vegetation also stimulates the germination of a characteristic and rare plant species, Thymus pulegioides.

Journal

Animal Biology – Brill

Published: Jan 1, 2003

Keywords: FORMICIDAE; SOIL CHARACTERISTICS; MICROGEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION; POPULATIONS; ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES

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