Revisiting the mound-building ant, Lasius claviger, in a reconstructed tallgrass prairie

Abstract

A tallgrass prairie located in northeastern Illinois was revisited to update relationships in a 2002 study between the presence of mounds of Lasius claviger (Formicidae) and characteristics of the soil and prairie flora. Reconstruction of the 7.1 ha site began 26 years ago. As in 2002, mounds of L. claviger did not appear to be affecting soil temperature, but were associated with higher floral richness and differences in soil moisture at 10 cm depth as compared to control sites having the same major grass type. In addition, soil organic content and above-ground plant biomass were significantly higher where mounds were present. Findings indicate a continued effect of the ant on soil and flora in the reconstructed prairie.