Author(s): Markó, B., Kiss, K. & Gallé, L.
Title: Mosaic structure of ant communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Eastern Carpathian marshes: regional versus local scales
Year: 2004
Volume: 50
Pages: 77-95.
Abstract: The ant communities of 12 habitats in four marshlands were studied in the Eastern Carpathians. Altogether 11 ant species were identified, but none of the species could be considered a specific relic species of marshlands, though characteristic species could be detected, like Myrmica rubra, M. ruginodis and M. scabrinodis. The sampling procedure seems to be fairly complete. The between and within region comparisons revealed that there were no regional differences in the ant communities, but differences could be attributed mostly to differences in habitat attributes like vegetation and related characteristics. The three most abundant Myrmica species all showed clear habitat preferences, which overlapped just to a lesser extent. The diversity analysis suggested a highly mosaic-like distribution pattern of ants in different habitats, which could be attributed to specific constraint factors acting on the ant species inhabiting mountain marshlands. Thus usually one patch is occupied and dominated by a single species. The existence of this mosaic-like pattern is also supported by the possibility of competition between M. rubra and M. ruginodis. The importance of connecting different scales to elucidate mechanisms creating the observed patterns is emphasized.
Keywords: Formicidae, competition, communities, mountain marshes, constraint factors, patchiness, scales
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Matskási, I. & Peregovits, L.
