Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Ant Species Richness and Diversity of E.A. Vaughn WMA Brett Mann.

Published byBuddy O’Brien’ Modified over 8 years ago

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Ant Species Richness and Diversity of E.A. Vaughn WMA Brett Mann."— Presentation transcript:

1 Ant Species Richness and Diversity of E.A. Vaughn WMA Brett Mann

2 Background  Insects of the order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae  Same order as bees and wasps  Social hive insects (eusociality) with queen that produces offspring raised by sterile female workers. Jan Messersmith Camponotus pennsylvanicus Alexander Wild

3 Background  Ants are excellent indicator taxa  Show general health of environment  Extremely wide habitat range  Most research in tropics, though a few scattered temperate studies exist Agosti, D., and L.E. Alonso. 2000. "The ALL protocol." Ants: standard methods for measuring and monitoring biodiversity. Washington, Smithsonian Institution Press, Pages 204-206. Solenopsis molesta Alexander Wild

4 Frye and Frye 2012  Xeric inland dune habitat  Compared ant foraging preference: deciduous vs pine  Three species specifically associated with oak, one with loblolly pine, none for shortleaf pine Frye, J.A., and Frye, C.T., 2012. Associations of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Oaks and Pines in Inland Dune and Ridge Woodlands in Worcester County, Maryland. The Maryland Entomologist. 5.4: 37-46.

5 Frye et al. 2014  Xeric inland dune habitat  Research into ant diversity/seasonal variation  Total species diversity: 67 species from 25 genera  Pitfall traps Frye, J.A., Frye, C.T., and Suman, T.W., 2014. The Ant Fauna of Inland Sand Dune Communities in Worcester County, Maryland. Northeastern Naturalist. 21.3: 446-471.

6 Objectives  Temperate forest area: E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area  Seasonal variation  Species abundance and diversity in leaf litter  Foraging preference on pine vs deciduous  Examine introduced species and their abundance (if any)  Reference collection for E.A. Vaughn WMA

7 Study Site – E.A. Vaughn WMA  Southern Worcester County  Upland and damp lowland habitat  Surrounded by agriculture  Assortment of tree species- pine, holly, oak, etc. EA Vaughn WMA

8 E.A. Vaughn

9 Hypotheses 1. Higher species richness and diversity of ants in denser leaf litter 2. Higher species richness and diversity of ants foraging on deciduous trees than conifers

10 Methods  Modified ALL Protocol  Ants of the Leaf Litter  Eight 100 m transects each month (2 per week)  May, July, September (24 transects total)  Every 20 m, a leaf litter sample (6 per transect)  Collect between 10am – 4pm (Frye and Frye 2012) Agosti, D., and L.E. Alonso. 2000. "The ALL protocol." Ants: standard methods for measuring and monitoring biodiversity. Washington, Smithsonian Institution Press, Pages 204-206.

11 Site Location with Transects

12 Methods  Gathered leaf litter in quarter square meter plot  Measurements to measure density 3 cm 4 cm 6 cm 4.5 cm

13 Berlese Funnel  Leaf litter placed in Berlese  Leaf litter was removed after 48- 72 hours  Dry weight of leaf litter taken once ants have been collected

14 Curation

15 Identification  A Field Guide to the Ants of New England  The Ants of Ohio  Jennifer Frye (DNR)  Tim Foard  Dr. John LaPolla (Towson University)  Smithsonian type specimens Aphaenogaster fulva Alexander Wild

16 May Leaf Litter Total July Leaf Litter Total Species NameT3T6T7T9T13T17T18T22TotalT1T8T10T12T15T20T21T24Total Aphaenogaster fulva218 4 1251726998183930156 Apheanogaster rudis8 86315146604 2 2513 Amblyopone 0 52512 Camponotus castaneus 0 0 Camponotus chromaiodes 0 0 Camponotus nearcticus 0 0 Camponotus ferrugineus 0 0 Camponotus pennsylvanicus 0 0 Crematogaster ashmeadi 0 0 Crematogaster cerasi 1 1 1 1 Crematogaster clara 1 1 0 Crematogaster pilosa 0 0 Formica neogates 1 1 0 Formica subsericea 0 0 Hypoponera gleadowi 211 33 28 0 Hypoponera opaciceps 1 1 0 Lasius alienus345 25114193524117258710481 116 Lasius interjectus 9 2 111 11975 204 Myrmecina americana5911 91127137546104554 Myrmica lobicorn 0 0 Nylanderia faisonensis901044024511155281197927648 12755414898874 Ponera pensylvanica4382217321978248713 242229140 Proceratium silaceum1011215301 271 0 Smithistruma dietrichi 1 11540 2 865 Solenopsis carolinensis 30 1545 0 Solenopsis molesta2 4 23 111443914343687 Temnothorax curvispinaus21622 221101 81122 Total1262567329590303741981415182168120373100527801821732

17 Nylanderia faisonensis  57% of ants  Common in southeastern U.S.  Woodlands and edge habitats  Identified by long erect hairs covering body Nylanderia faisonensis Antwiki

18 Lasius alienus  Found throughout continental U.S. and Europe.  Preference for forested areas in U.S. Lasius alienus AntWiki

19 Ponera pennsylvanica  Preference for deciduous forests  Common but small colonies  Tend to nest in rotten wood Ponera pennsylvanica AntWiki Ponera pennsylvanica Bugguide.net

20 EstimateS version 9.0 Species Richness Estimate Chao119.5 ACE24 Diversity Indices Shannon Exp5.84 Simpson Index (1/D)3.26

21 Species accumulation curve (leaf litter)

22 EstimateS version 9.0 Species Richness Estimate Chao119.5 ACE24 Diversity Indices Shannon Exp5.84 Simpson Index (1/D)3.26

23 Species rank index (leaf litter)

24 Hypotheses

25 Methods  Hand collection using aspirator  Every 20 m, sample two trees  Closest pine, closest deciduous  Ground up to 2 m for 15 min each  Frye and Frye, 2012. Frye, J.A., and Frye, C.T., 2012. Associations of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Oaks and Pines in Inland Dune and Ridge Woodlands in Worcester County, Maryland. The Maryland Entomologist. 5.4: 37-46.

26 DeciduousConifer MayJulyMayJuly Species NameTotal Aphaenogaster fulva3469735 Apheanogaster rudis112738 Camponotus castaneus1300 Camponotus chromaiodes2030 Camponotus nearcticus51020 Camponotus pennslyvanicus31581 Camponotus serrugineus2422 Camponotus subbarbatus0101 Crematogaster ashmeadi0010 Crematogaster cerasi0010 Crematogaster clara0000 Crematogaster pilosa1612303 Formica neogates25002 Formica nitidiventris0002 Formica pallidefulva0001 Formica subsericea01000 Hypoponera0000 Lasius alienus3218035 Lasius interjectus01617 Myrmecina americana3300 Myrmica lobicorn7000 Nylanderia faisonensis514215 Ponera pensylvanica0000 Proceratium silaceum0000 Smithistruma dietrichi0000 Solenopsis carolinensis0000 Solenopsis molesta0000 Temnothorax curvispinaus4010 Leptothorax longispinosus0000 Total15018766122

27 DeciduousConifer MayJulyMayJuly Species NameTotal Aphaenogaster fulva3469735 Apheanogaster rudis112738 Camponotus castaneus1300 Camponotus chromaiodes2030 Camponotus nearcticus51020 Camponotus pennslyvanicus31581 Camponotus serrugineus2422 Camponotus subbarbatus0101 Crematogaster ashmeadi0010 Crematogaster cerasi0010 Crematogaster clara0000 Crematogaster pilosa1612303 Formica neogates25002 Formica nitidiventris0002 Formica pallidefulva0001 Formica subsericea01000 Hypoponera0000 Lasius alienus3218035 Lasius interjectus01617 Myrmecina americana3300 Myrmica lobicorn7000 Nylanderia faisonensis514215 Ponera pensylvanica0000 Proceratium silaceum0000 Smithistruma dietrichi0000 Solenopsis carolinensis0000 Solenopsis molesta0000 Temnothorax curvispinaus4010 Leptothorax longispinosus0000 Total15018766122

28 DeciduousConifer MayJulyMayJuly Species NameTotal Aphaenogaster fulva3469735 Apheanogaster rudis112738 Camponotus castaneus1300 Camponotus chromaiodes2030 Camponotus nearcticus51020 Camponotus pennslyvanicus31581 Camponotus serrugineus2422 Camponotus subbarbatus0101 Crematogaster ashmeadi0010 Crematogaster cerasi0010 Crematogaster clara0000 Crematogaster pilosa1612303 Formica neogates25002 Formica nitidiventris0002 Formica pallidefulva0001 Formica subsericea01000 Hypoponera0000 Lasius alienus3218035 Lasius interjectus01617 Myrmecina americana3300 Myrmica lobicorn7000 Nylanderia faisonensis514215 Ponera pensylvanica0000 Proceratium silaceum0000 Smithistruma dietrichi0000 Solenopsis carolinensis0000 Solenopsis molesta0000 Temnothorax curvispinaus4010 Leptothorax longispinosus0000 Total15018766122

29 Results – Tree Samples  Aphaenogaster fulva most abundant species on deciduous trees  Often nest in dying or rotting trees  Common throughout the eastern half of the U.S. Aphaenogaster fulva Joe MacGown

30 Crematogaster pilosa  Common on trees, rare in leaf litter  Southeastern arboreal ant species Coovert, G.A. 2005. The Ants of Ohio Crematogaster pilosa AntWiki

31 Future directions  Gather September data  Confirm IDs  Conduct T-tests on tree data  Compare data to Frye and Frye 2012  Run final species richness estimates and diversity indices  Follow up study with baits- Emily Rowe

32 Acknowledgments I would like to thank:  Emily Rowe for working with me on this project  The Henson School of Science and Technology at Salisbury University for lab space, supplies and funding  Dr. Price, Dr. Liebgold, and Jennifer Frye for project planning  SU Office of Graduate Studies and Research  The Guerrieri Research Summer Program  The E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area for allowing us to use their forest for a field site.

Download ppt "Ant Species Richness and Diversity of E.A. Vaughn WMA Brett Mann."

Similar presentations

Camponotus pennsylvanicus Carpenter Ant Profile view of major worker. Photo Joe MacGown Full face view of major worker. Photo Joe MacGown.

Camponotus pennsylvanicus Carpenter Ant Profile view of major worker. Photo Joe MacGown Full face view of major worker. Photo Joe MacGown.
Diversity of Surface Active Invertebrate Communities at the DePauw Nature Park and Arboretum Aaron Randolph, Department of Biology, DePauw University,

Diversity of Surface Active Invertebrate Communities at the DePauw Nature Park and Arboretum Aaron Randolph, Department of Biology, DePauw University,
Invertebrate & Leaf Litter Dynamics in the DePauw University Nature Park and Arboretum Karl Koehler, Department of Biology, DePauw University, Greencastle,

Invertebrate & Leaf Litter Dynamics in the DePauw University Nature Park and Arboretum Karl Koehler, Department of Biology, DePauw University, Greencastle,
MOFEP - Leaf Litter Arthropods. 90% of a forest community’s net 1° productivity is cycled through the litter community Microbes and fungi can do much.

MOFEP - Leaf Litter Arthropods. 90% of a forest community’s net 1° productivity is cycled through the litter community Microbes and fungi can do much.
Bachelor Reserve vs. Oxford’s “Mile Square”. Introduction  Purpose - To study insect diversity in the Bachelor Reserve and the Mile Square“ to see whether.

Bachelor Reserve vs. Oxford’s “Mile Square”. Introduction  Purpose - To study insect diversity in the Bachelor Reserve and the "Mile Square“ to see whether.
Analyzing The Diversity of Fish and Crabs in The GTMNERR Austin O’Connor & Charles Adams-Flagler College Science Department.

Analyzing The Diversity of Fish and Crabs in The GTMNERR Austin O’Connor & Charles Adams-Flagler College Science Department.
Subfamily Dolichoderinae Descriptive Characteristic:Habitat: - Ants in this subfamily have reduced petiole,- All over the world the postpetiole is fused.

Subfamily Dolichoderinae Descriptive Characteristic:Habitat: - Ants in this subfamily have reduced petiole,- All over the world the postpetiole is fused.
Characteristics of Channel Darter Habitat in the Winooski River, Vermont Douglas E. Facey and Shannon M. O ‘Brien Department of Biology Saint Michael’s.

Characteristics of Channel Darter Habitat in the Winooski River, Vermont Douglas E. Facey and Shannon M. O ‘Brien Department of Biology Saint Michael’s.
Emily Mitchell Ayers, Luc Hebou, and Karen Needham DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742 USING.

Emily Mitchell Ayers, Luc Hebou, and Karen Needham DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, MD USING.
 Simpson's Diversity Index is a measure of diversity. In ecology, it is often used to quantify the biodiversity of a habitat. It takes into account the.

 Simpson's Diversity Index is a measure of diversity. In ecology, it is often used to quantify the biodiversity of a habitat. It takes into account the.
3 Introduction Prior to European settlement the southeastern United States had several regions dominated by grasslands or prairie (DeSelm and Murdock 1993,

3 Introduction Prior to European settlement the southeastern United States had several regions dominated by grasslands or prairie (DeSelm and Murdock 1993,
Ground Beetles and Butterflies of Corn and Old Field Areas Along a NE Iowa Trout Stream Before Riparian Habitat Reconstruction Kirk J. Larsen Department.

Ground Beetles and Butterflies of Corn and Old Field Areas Along a NE Iowa Trout Stream Before Riparian Habitat Reconstruction Kirk J. Larsen Department.
FIELD METHODS Strategy for Monitoring Post-fire Rehabilitation Treatments Troy Wirth and David Pyke USGS – Biological Resources Division Forest and Rangeland.

FIELD METHODS Strategy for Monitoring Post-fire Rehabilitation Treatments Troy Wirth and David Pyke USGS – Biological Resources Division Forest and Rangeland.
Conclusion -Velocity affects the temperature, pH and DO of a stream; the greater the velocity, the greater the water quality -The positive correlation.

Conclusion -Velocity affects the temperature, pH and DO of a stream; the greater the velocity, the greater the water quality -The positive correlation.
Influence of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.) on floodplain productivity and regeneration Eve Brantley, Jennifer Mitchell, and B. Graeme Lockaby.

Influence of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.) on floodplain productivity and regeneration Eve Brantley, Jennifer Mitchell, and B. Graeme Lockaby.
Intermediate disturbance and ant communities in a forested ecosystem John H. Graham, Anthony J.. Krzysik, Dave A. Kovacic, D. Carl Freeman, W. Russell.

Intermediate disturbance and ant communities in a forested ecosystem John H. Graham, Anthony J.. Krzysik, Dave A. Kovacic, D. Carl Freeman, W. Russell.
Thesis  Erin Harrington  Advisors  Bobbi Low  Phil Myers.

Thesis  Erin Harrington  Advisors  Bobbi Low  Phil Myers.
Communities: Quantifying community structure. Mary E. Allen Hartwick College.

Communities: Quantifying community structure. Mary E. Allen Hartwick College.
Introduction Subalpine meadows play a crucial role in species diversity, supporting many endangered species of plant and wildlife. Subalpine meadows play.

Introduction Subalpine meadows play a crucial role in species diversity, supporting many endangered species of plant and wildlife. Subalpine meadows play.
Piedmont Region of Georgia

Piedmont Region of Georgia

Similar presentations

Ads by Google