Assessing Subterranean Ant Diversity
Underground ants are considered to be important participants in ecosystem function, yet their representation in surveys has traditionally been limited due to the difficulties associated with sampling the subterranean soil fauna in situ. We developed an underground sampling probe that is providing important new information on the identity and vertical distribution of tropical ants. This method is easy to use in the field as part of a transect study and minimally disturbs the surrounding soil environment. Our technique can complement other standard sampling methods to comprehensively survey ant diversity.
The subterranean probe consists of a 50cm-long plastic cylinder (PVC pipe) with an outer diameter of 2.0cm that is implanted in the ground after a cylindrical cavity of the same width and length is made using a portable power drill. The outer cylinder, which is perforated with access holes, receives a second removable, tightly fitting cylinder. The inner cylinder probe (outer diameter = 1.5cm) is easily removed from the outer sleeve and can be replaced without disturbance to the surrounding soil. Both cylinders provide circular ports that allow underground ants to enter and feed at baits in each of four sections, located 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50cm below the surface. Each section is physically separable and can be detached to allow the removal of ants. *** *** *** *** ***
(poster) by Kari T. Ryder Wilkie, Amy Mertl, and James FA Traniello. Presented at the International Union for the Study of Social Insects (IUSSI) 2006 Congress in Washington DC, July 30 – August 5, 2006.
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NEW! Biodiversity below ground: probing the subterranean ant fauna of Amazonia. Ryder Wilkie KT, Mertl AL, Traniello JF. Naturwissenschaften. 2007 Apr 25; [Epub ahead of print]. PDF
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Ants of Ecuador Catalog and Image Database
I am using data from my biotic survey to create a catalog of the ants of the Tiputini Biodiversity Station. This database of Ecuadorian lowland rainforest ants will include high-resolution digital images. The digital image database of specimens collected in this study will utilize an integrated digital photography and stereomicroscopy based on the Syncroscopy Auto-Montage system applied in the Department of Entomology at the Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology by Gary Alpert and Piotr Naskrecki. Mantis, a database manager that stores taxonomic and specimen information and images, is being used to develop my catalog. (For a demonstration of the utility of Mantis see the web page of the MCZ).
Click here to see
my database, which is a work in progress:
TIPUTINI ANTS |
My progress so far
I am developing a checklist of the genera and species of the ants of Tiputini. An illustrated species list will be added soon. Genera completely identified to species are checked. If you would like to see some of my specimens, would like to include my data in your study, would like DNA from my samples, or are interested in helping me identify a particular genus, please contact me. |
