Differences in the nesting sites microhabitat characteristics of two syntopic species ofMessorharvester ants in a phytosociological homogeneous grassland area

Abstract

Physiological tolerance of species to temperature, moisture or chemicalphysical properties of the soil could be important in determining the distribution and abundance of ant nests. In the present study we investigated the possible differences in the nesting site microhabitat characteristics of two syntopic species of harvester ants of the genus Messor living in a Mediterranean homogeneous grassland area belonging to a single phytosociological association known as "Vulpio ligusticae-Dasypyretum villosi". We tested to see whether the activity of the colonies of the two species directly altered the microhabitat characteristics of the nesting sites. Microhabitat characteristics were assessed quantifying several abiotic factors (light, temperature, soil moisture, soil pH, nitrogen) by means of the Ellenberg Bioindication Model. The model represents a simple way of interpreting the vegetation pattern in terms of ecological factors from the perspective of the plants and can be considered an effective and promising approach to link animal and plant ecology. Our data showed significant differences in the nesting site microhabitat characteristics partially due to a different capacity of the two species to alter nesting site proprieties. Possible differences in the physiological tolerance of these species to moisture gradients could be crucial in determining the distribution and abundance of their nests.

Biochar–macrofauna interplay: Searching for new bioindicators

“…They affect soil physical, chemical and biological properties through the modification of soil profile, aeration, drainage and density and are therefore able to influence the energy and nutrient cycles and to act as ecological engineers (Folgarait, 1998;Frouz and Jilkova, 2008). In particular, ant-mediated chemical changes of soil are represented by the modifications of pH and nutrient contents that influence variations in microbial activity or by the food storing behavior that influences the transformation of organic matter (Frouz and Jilkova, 2008;Jurgensen et al, 2008;Solida et al, 2011). Finally, being easy to sample and fairly well described (Alonso and Agosti, 2000;Underwood and Fisher, 2006;Bolton et al, 2007), they represent an ideal indicator for experiments targeting soil ecosystems.…”

Multi-set indicators to assess environmental quality using soil microarthropods, plants and humus

“…The above-mentioned discrepancy underlined how the Ellenberg model was particularly effective in detecting local conditions (Solida et al 2011;Testi et al 2012).…”

“…Furthermore, according to the methods adopted by the Italian Society of Soil Science (Società Italiana della Scienza del Suolo 1985) and by U.S.D. A.-Soil Survey Staff (Soil Survey Staff 1975, 1998, the following soil/humus parameters were measured:…”

Seed selection and coexistence in two sympatricMessorharvester ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

“…The strong competitive ability of many species of Dasypyrum villosum vegetation together with grazing and human activities have shaped these habitats for a long time, inhibiting the settlement of other species and suppressing the emergence of seedlings (Fanelli & Pignatti 1998;Testi et al 2006). The main biological forms of plants are hemicryptophytes and therophytes, with a good representation of geophytes (Solida et al 2011b). The establishment of woody species and shrubs is, in fact, rather slow and mainly limited to the grass borders.…”

“…Grasslands represent the marginal habitat of the Presidential Estate. The typical plant community of these habitats (Dasypyrum villosum L. phytocoenosis) has developed on abandoned fields characterized by alluvial sandy soil suitable for cultivation (Fanelli & Pignatti 1998;Solida et al 2011b), and by high plant biodiversity. The strong competitive ability of many species of Dasypyrum villosum vegetation together with grazing and human activities have shaped these habitats for a long time, inhibiting the settlement of other species and suppressing the emergence of seedlings (Fanelli & Pignatti 1998;Testi et al 2006).…”