The effects of invasive ants on prospective ant mutualists

摘要: Ants are recognized for their abilities both to engage in mutualistic interactions with diverse taxa, and invade dominate habitats outside native geographic range. Here, we review the effects of invasive ants on three guilds mutualists: ant-dispersed plants, ant-tended arthropods, plants. We contrast how those affected by invasions, differ from guilds, seven most ant species amongst themselves interactions. Ant-dispersed plants typically suffer ants, a result attribute small size relative seed-dispersing ants. Effects arthropods were more frequently positive or non-significant, although it is unclear often these reciprocally beneficial. For example, attack natural enemies prospective mutualists even absence rewards, may mutualists. Many studies address whether provide some benefit partner, but few have asked invasives rank within hierarchy that includes other species. Because invasions extirpation this distinction highly relevant predicting managing such invasions. Interspecific comparisons suggest poorer partners than equally effective perhaps better Last, note taxa they affect mutualist been studied. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, appears particularly likely disrupt all interactions, six included review.