Interactions of three dominant ant species, Lasius emarginatus (Ol.), Formica rufa L., and Lasius fuliginosus (Latr.) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) among themselves and with subordinate species in broadleaf forests. Communication 1

Abstract

Territoriality of three dominant ant species: Formica rufa L., Lasius fuliginosus (Latreille), and Lasius emarginatus (Olivier), was studied in July and August 2013–2015 in the broadleaf forest areas in Kiev, Ukraine. Thirteen species of ants were found on the soil surface, including 4 subdominants and 5 influents. Subordinate species co-occurred in the plots with L. emarginatus 1.5–2.0 times as frequently as with L. fuliginosus, and at least 3.0 times as frequently as with F. rufa. From 2 (within the foraging territory of the nest complex) to 5 ant species (in the territories of single colonies) were found together with F. rufa. Eight ant species co-occurred with L. fuliginosus and L. emarginatus each, and 7 species, i.e., nearly the same number, were found in the areas without dominants. The dominant ant species can be arranged in ascending order of territoriality as follows: L. emarginatus < L. fuliginosus + F. rufa (single colonies) < F. rufa (nest complex).