Consistent differences in foraging behavior in 2 sympatric harvester ant species may facilitate coexistence.

ABSTRACT: The co-occurrence of 2 similar species depends on their ability to occupy different ecological niches. Here, we compared the consistency of different aspects of foraging behavior in 2 co-occurring harvester ant species (Messor ebeninus and Messor arenarius), under field conditions. The 2 species are active concomitantly and display a similar diet, but M. arenarius features smaller colonies, larger workers on average, and a broader range of foraging strategies than M. ebeninus. We characterized the flora in the 2 species' natural habitat, and detected a nesting preference by M. arenarius for more open, vegetation-free microhabitats than those preferred by M. ebeninus. Next, we tested the food preference of foraging colonies by presenting 3 non-nativ

SUBMITTER: Saar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6178789 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature