Title

The Effect of Vine Presence on Arboreal Ant Community Structure in a Temperate Forest

Primary Submission Contact

Chloe Lash

Faculty Sponsor

Steve Yanoviak

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Biology

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Date

Fall 9-12-2014

Abstract

The Effect of Vine Presence on Arboreal Ant Community Structure in a Temperate Forest

Chloe Lash1 and Steve Yanoviak2

Tropical vines can provide efficient linear pathways for foraging ants. Here we examine the effects of the presence of vines, as well as tree size and species, on the species richness and composition of ant communities in a temperate forest in Kentucky, USA. We used tuna baits to sample the ant fauna of 100 trees--50 with vines and 50 lacking vines. We also measured tree and vine diameters and recorded tree, vine, and ant species, and ant abundance. These data were used to examine the similarities of ant species richness among varying tree sizes, species and vine presence. Species richness was similar between trees with and without vines, and among tree species. Species richness did not vary predictably with tree size. This suggests that ants in the temperate forest might not use vines as opportunistic linear foraging pathways. We also conclude that factors other than tree species, size and vine presence affect the distribution of arboreal ants in the temperate forest.

Additional Presentation Information

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