Response of an open‐forest ant community to invasion by the introduced ant, Pheidole megacephala

摘要: The introduced tramp ant, Pheidole megacephala, is a well-known pest of urban areas and coastal dune ecosystems in eastern Australia. Until recently, establishment spread P. megacephala colonies has been regarded as likely only disturbed areas. Here we describe the extent an established colony long undisturbed open forest near Maryborough southeast Queensland compare ant community structure with those nearby uninfested sites. Tuna baiting revealed three distinct zones: (i) zone totally dominated by (at least 10 ha) where few other species were detected; (ii) was absent many found; (iii) opportunists (species Ochetellus Paratrechina) competed at baits. Pitfall trapping over 9-month period resulted 12 being recorded infested site, compared mean 25 adjoining forest. Over 94% ants pitfalls site megacephala. Most notably, had completely displaced dominant Dolichoderines Iridomyrmex), subordinate Camponotini Camponotus, Opisthopsis Polyrhachis) which are common