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A simple method to differentially exclude ants from tree canopies based on ant body size
Author(s) -
RomeuDalmau Carla,
Espadaler Xavier,
Piñol Josep
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
methods in ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.425
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2041-210X
DOI - 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2010.00015.x
Subject(s) - ant , canopy , tree (set theory) , simple (philosophy) , ecology , tree canopy , ant colony , myrmecophyte , formicoidea , biology , computer science , artificial intelligence , hymenoptera , aculeata , mathematics , ant colony optimization algorithms , pollen , mathematical analysis , philosophy , epistemology , nectar
Summary 1. Ants are ubiquitous components of most terrestrial communities. Ant exclusion from tree canopies using sticky barriers is frequently used to ascertain the ant’s role in the community. This method is very effective but cannot differentiate between ant species, and excludes them all from the canopy. 2. Here we describe a simple method which permits free access of small ants to the canopy, and excludes ants larger than a defined size. This method is flexible in the sense that can be adapted to decide to some degree which species of ants in each particular community are allowed access to tree canopies.