Ant nest architecture is shaped by local adaptation and plastic response to temperature.

ABSTRACT: Social insects are among the most abundant arthropods in terrestrial ecosystems, where they provide ecosystem services. The effect of subterranean activity of ants on soil is well-studied, yet little is known about nest architecture due to the difficulty of observing belowground patterns. Furthermore, many species' ranges span environmental gradients, and their nest architecture is likely shaped by the climatic and landscape features of their specific habitats. We investigated the effects of two temperature treatments on the shape and size of nests built by Formica podzolica ants collected from high and low elevations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains in a full factorial experiment. Ants nested in experimental chambers with soil surface temperatures matching the local temperatures of sample

SUBMITTER: Sankovitz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8630048 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature