Introduced ant species and mechanisms of competition on Floreana Island (Galapagos, Ecuador) (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_5819882D2BA1
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Introduced ant species and mechanisms of competition on Floreana Island (Galapagos, Ecuador) (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)
Journal
Sociobiology
Author(s)
von Aesch L., Cherix D.
ISSN
0361-6525
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2005
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
45
Number
2
Pages
463-481
Language
english
Abstract
Simultaneous presence of several tramp ant species of relatively recent introduction on a remote island is an excellent opportunity to study competition mechanisms that lead to the establishment of invasive species. Using attractive food baits we collected 14 ant species among which 10 are well-known tramp species. The most important change between 1996-97 and 2003 is the spread of the tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata at the detriment of Tetramorium simillimum, suggesting that the colonization process on Floreana is still very dynamic. The follow-up of 400 food baits for 21 hours permitted us to calculate indices of competition abilities for 11 species, revealing distinct strategies. The two small tramp species Monomorium floricola and Tapinoma melanocephalum are typically opportunists when large-sized Odontomachus bauri (possibly native species) and Camponotus macilentus (endemic species) are good interference competitors, out-competing other species at food baits. Dominant species S. geminata and Monomorium destructor reach high scores for all indices due to their high abundance.
Keywords
invasive species, competition, tramp ant, colonization
Web of science
Create date
24/01/2008 19:18
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:11
Usage data