Comparative ecology of four tropical ant species

摘要: Observations on the ecology of four ant species in Solomon Islands are described. The ants native speciesOecophylla smaragdina, andIridomyrmex cordatus, andAnoplolepis longipes andPheidole megacephala which introduced. Brief accounts given each species' colony structure, nest sites, habitats and enemies. All have a wide food range but main sources honeydew obtained from Homoptera prey. Honeydew is most important as component diet show close relationships with endemic Homoptera. two introduced depend to greater extent predation this situation contrasted that their source region, Africa. topics covered an investigation water temperature relations were resistance desiccation, relation between speed movement foraging workers humidity preferences.Oecophylla smaragdina tolerant variation both factors,P. best suited relatively low andA. high one, although susceptible desiccation. These differences realised daily times;O. diurnal,P. andI. cordatus nocturnal crepuscular activity usually limited day by at night temperature. It concluded adapted conditions terms supply physical, climatic environment.