Studies on the environmental implications of ants (Hymenoptera: formicidae) associated with two synanthropic environments in Awka, Nigeria

Abstract

*[A study of ants associated with 2 synanthropic environments in Awka was carried out in 2008 using pitfall traps & bait traps. The study yelded a total of 561 ants, with 409 obtained from the hemisynanthrophic environment while 192 ants were collected from the endophilic environment. The percentage occurrence, total distribution & average numbers of trapped indvidual species of Paratrechina, Acantholepis, Pheidole, & Camponotus in the hemisynanthrophic environment are (16.9%, 2.6), (35.3%, 150, 12.5), (40.1%, 170, 14.2), & (7.6%, 23, 27) respectvely. The percentage occurrence, total ant distribution, & average number of trapped species of Acantholepis & Pheidole sp. using honey as bait are (47.19%, 49, 2.3) & (52.9% 55, 13.8) respectively, whereas Paratrechina, Acantholeps, & Pheidole sp. shows (43.8%, 21.5, 3), (31.40%, 15, 3.8), & (25%, 12, 3) respectvely when sugar was used as bait. The study further reveals different dispersion patterns & degree of variability between species in the hemisynanthrophic environment. Pheidole sp. & Acanthoepis were also trapped in high numbers. The paucity in the collecion of Paratrechina & Camponotus is possibly suggestive that these species are not attracted to honey baits. The attraction of more Paratrechina to sugar bait indicated that these species are sugar loving ants.]