Grupos tróficos e guildas em formigas poneromorfas

Abstract

*[In this chapter we present a functional classification of poneromorph ants, reviewing the role of this group in the ecology of the Neotropical region. A description of the guild structure based on an evolutionary approach is presented, discussing the importance of functional & biological traits of poneromorph ants. To achieve this goal, we deal with conceptual aspects of guilds & functional groups, & also the multidimensional niche, followed by a review of studies on functional organization of ants in the Neotropics. Macroguilds are defined as a group of species that share general ecological variables, such as foraging habits, nesting sites, & trophic position. Macroguilds can be divided into smaller compartments called microguilds if a higher number of variables is considered in classification analyses. We use trophic position, foraging, nesting sites, behavior, & morphological traits to define 7 poneromorph macroguilds: (1) small-size in the leaf-litter; (2) large-size epigaeic; (3) arboreal poneromorph species; (4) with long mandibles; (5) specialized & cryptic; (6) with legionary behavior; & (7) ectaheteromorph generalist predators (Ectatomminae; Heteroponerinae). Our proposed scheme includes data on ecology, life history traits, & morphology to delimit macroguilds & is analogous to the functional trait approach. Use of this conceptual model allows a description of ant fauna organization in different areas of the Neotropical Region in an elaborate & appropriate format, enabling comparisons & predictions on community structure to be made.]