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Albrecht, M. C. 1996. Spatial and temporal investigations of an Oklahoman grassland ant assemblage. Ph. D. Dissertation, University of Oklahoma, Norman. 101 pp.
ABSTRACT The foraging patterns of a grassland ant assemblage in Oklahoma were investigated. Spatial distribution of colony entrances, on the scale of 25 individual square meters, was either clumped or random intraspecifically. The interspecific spatial distribution of nests was clumped. On the spatial scale of 10,000 and 60,000 square meter pitfall trapping showed interspecific clumping. Temporal foraging patterns also varied, all species foraged more during warmer months of the year. On the diel scale, the two most abundant species alternated foraging activity, with little interaction. Species of intermediate abundance appeared to forage opportunistically. These species were most active when the most abundant species were not present. Species of low abundance foraged at similar levels during all hours of the day. Randomization modeling showed that there was little interspecific partitioning on the diel scale. A removal experiment of the most abundant species (Lasius neoniger) had little effect on the foraging activity of other species. One uncommon species (Pheidole bicarinata) did show increased foraging activity. However, a species that was a candidate for demonstration of competitive release (Crematogaster punctulata) was affected by the removal protocol. Because of this, its potential response to the removal of L. neoniger is unknown. Artificial shading of nest entrances of the daytime dominant (Monomorium minimum) showed no effect on the activity of this species. However, L. neoniger preferred the shaded area as indicated by rapid excavation of new colony entrances in the shaded locations.