Original Article | 2007, Vol.29, No.2, pp. 307-320
Diversity of canopy ants at a reserve area of Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla
Suparoek Watanasit, Athirat Nhusidum and Thayaluk Takodee
pp. 307 - 320
Abstract
Diversity of canopy ants was examined by using pyrethoid fogging technique at a reserve area of Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Province. A permanent plot of 100x100 m2 was set up and divided into 100 sub-units (10x10 m2). Three plants were randomly selected for pyrethoid fogging applications each time bimothly during July 2004 - May 2005. The results showed that a total of 2,343 individuals were collected in 14 genera, 5 subfamily and 31 species. The Formicinae and Myrmicinae were the major subfamilies found in equal species numbers of 13. Shannon- Weiner Index and evenness value of ants were 1.73±0.39 and 0.35±0.08, respectively. Seasonal changes (wet and dry) had no effect on individual numbers of ant species in each subfamily. The influence of physical factors (rainfall, temperature and relative humidity) on numbers of ant species was also investigated. A significant negative correlation between rainfall and species numbers of Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex )sp.2 was found, while temperature had a significant positive correlation with Crematogaster (Orthocrema)sp.4, Meranoplus castaneus (F.Smith)) and Tetraponera sp.4, and relative humidity had a significant positive correlation with only Tetraponera sp.4.
