Habitat disturbance and the diversity and abundance of ants (Formicidae) in the Southeastern Fall-Line Sandhills
We examined habitat disturbance, species richness, equitability, and abundance of ants in the Fall-Line Sandhills, at Fort Benning, Georgia. We collected ants with pitfall traps, sweep nets, and by searching tree trunks. Disturbed areas were used for military training; tracked and wheeled vehicles damaged vegetation and soils. Highly disturbed sites had fewer trees, diminished ground cover, warmer soils in the summer, and more compacted soils with a shallower A-horizon. We collected 48 species of ants, in 23 genera (141,468 individuals), over four years of sampling. Highly disturbed areas had fewer species, and greater numbers of ants than did moderately or lightly disturbed areas. The ant communities in disturbed areas were also less equitable, and were dominated by Dorymyrmex smithi.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2004 |
---|---|
Title | Habitat disturbance and the diversity and abundance of ants (Formicidae) in the Southeastern Fall-Line Sandhills |
DOI | 10.1673/031.004.3001 |
Authors | J.H. Graham, H.H. Hughie, S. Jones, K. Wrinn, A.J. Krzysik, J.J. Duda, D. Carl Freeman, J.M. Emlen, J.C. Zak, D.A. Kovacic, C. Chamberlin-Graham, H. Balbach |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Insect Science |
Index ID | 70026658 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Western Fisheries Research Center |