Structural and functional organization of ant communities in secondary meadow ecosystems

• DOI: 10.30970/sbi.1602.680
• Publication Date: 2022-07-06T16:49:14Z
• Authors: I. Tsaryk; O. Reshetylo; ; I. Khamar
• Keywords: Lasius; Arable land

Introduction. Due to a significant biomass and diverse ecological niches, ants (Formicidae, Hymenoptera) are crucial in establishing the structure functioning of co-adaptive species complexes, i.e. myrmecocomplexes, which they belong. The majority ant species, build their nests with visible anthills, create humpy micro-relief changing habitats numerous plant animal species. number active families indicate functional power every an community. According dynamics nest numbers, it is possible analyze changes ecosystem as whole. Materials methods. research territory located SE suburb Lviv on edge Davydiv Holohory ridges. It includes two former agricultural sites: fallow arable land grazing land. material was collected by method exclusion its following conservation, laboratory analysis determination. Anthill mapping conducted 200 sq. m sites. Results discussion. results suggest that more structured habitat is, higher diversity observed: seven were found (Formica pratensis – dominant, F. cunicularia subdominant, Tetramorium caespitum, Lasius niger, L. flavus, Myrmica rubra, Solenopsis fugax all influents). typical three influent (L. T. M. rubra) distribute within dominant’s foraging area. However, avoid contacting each other. less (fallow land) presented only most adaptive high numbers niger 95 % site nests, flavus 5 them). Conclusions. Thus, community system „dominant–subdominant–influent” under permanent transformation due anthropogenic changes; well-adapted can stay influence mentioned changes. spatial distribution testifies prospects need for used establish type level previous impact (grazing, ploughing, grass burning, etc.).