Myrmecol. News 11: 1-7; printable
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.25849/myrmecol.news_011:001
- Open Access: CC BY 4.0
- Year: 2008
- Title: The use of native and non-native tree species for foraging and nesting habitat by the wood-ant Formica lugubris (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
- Journal: Myrmecological News
- Volume: 11
- Pages: 1-7
- Type of contribution: Original Article
- Supplementary material: No
- Abstract: Woodland management strategies are increasingly focused on reducing non-native plant species. However, changingthe species profile of a habitat can have highly disruptive effects on local ecosystems. An isolated woodland containinga population of the northern wood-ant Formica lugubris Zetterstedt, 1838 was used as a case study to predict theeffects on the ants of proposed woodland management focussed on reducing non-native tree species. A habitat surveyof the woodlands showed that increased light and presence of the native species oak (Quercus spp.) and birch (Betulaspp.) were positive factors for ant presence. In addition a survey of foraging throughout the warm season showed thatnative oak, birch, pine (Pinus sylvestris) and non-native larch (Larix decidua) and spruce (Picea abies) were heavilyused for foraging; mostly in the form of honeydew from aphids. Native beech (Fagus sylvatica) was not used forforaging nor provided suitable nesting habitat. Analysis of the results showed that the ants are not reliant on the nonnative species and that light is important to them. The openings in the canopy formed during selective felling could bebeneficial for the establishment of new nests.
- Key words: Introduced species, non-native species, wood-ant, foraging, Formica lugubris, woodland management, habitat.
- Publisher: The Austrian Society of Entomofaunistics
- ISSN: Print: 1994-4136 - Online: 1997-3500