Composition, diversity, and distribution of a Chihuahuan Desert ant community (Mapimi, Mexico)

The Mapimi Chihuahuan Desert ant community was studied,in 11 different vegetation sites grouped as rich shrubs (5 sites), poor shrubs (3), and grasslands (3). The community was composed of 32 species, with species richness varying in the range of 11-26 species per site. Species richness showed significant intergroup differences; but neither abundance nor biomass showed intergroup differences. The most abundant species were Forelius maccooki and F. pruinosus; biomass was dominated by the larger species Pogonomyrmex rugosus and Aphaenogaster corkerelli. Five trophic guilds were recognized, with dominance of omnivores and granivores. Omnivorous biomass was higher in shrubs than in grasslands, but no differences were observed in granivores. The community was dominated by small and very small ants; and size patterns varied in function of guilds and vegetation. (C) 2000 Academic Press.