Association Between Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Habitat Characteristics in Oak-Dominated Mixed Forests

Abstract The relationship between ants and their habitats was examined in oak-dominated mixed forests in the central Appalachian mountains. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps over the summers of 1995, 1996, and 1997. Principal component and correlation analysis indicated that ant diversity (Shannon’s H′), species richness, and abundance were closely correlated with habitat principal components. Fewer ants, lower number of species, and lower ant diversity were found at sites with higher elevation and soil moisture. Diversity (H′) of ants and species richness decreased by 0.1 (R2 = 0.75) and 2.2 (R2 = 0.57) when the elevation increased 100 m, respectively. As the elevation increased, there were relatively less Formica neogagates Emery and more Aphaenogaster rudis (Emery). More ant species and individuals were found on ridges than in valleys.