The Effect of Climatic Factors on the Activity of Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Broadleaf Forests of Kiev. Communication 2

Abstract

Studies of seasonal dynamics of the activity of ants were carried out in July–August of 2013–2015 in broadleaf forests (Kyiv, Ukraine. Transects were located within foraging areas of three dominant species Formica rufa L., Lasius fuliginosus (Latreille), and L. emarginatus (Olivier). Thirteen species of ants were encountered on the soil surface. Factors that influence the activity of ants in forests may be ranked by importance as follows. (1) Climatic factors: (a) air temperature and soil humidity; (b) mean monthly rainfall; (c) air humidity. (2) Phytogenic factor (tree species composition). 3. Interspecific hierarchy of ants (primarily, territoriality of the dominant species).