Behavioral ecology of invasive ant species in Hawaiʻi

Abstract

The ant species in Hawai'i are all non-native, creating a unique and interesting environment in which to study their invasion biology. In regards to which species will become dominant in the invaded habitat, I proposed that a predictive tool would be useful to protect ecosystems from destructive alien species. Agonistic laboratory bioassays will examine the interspecific aggression of selected ant species in order to assess mechanisms that may lead to species dominance in the field. I have examined interactions between ants and one termite species, five ant species both dominant and subdominant, and four exclusively dominant ant species. I have related the results found in the agonistic laboratory assays to field surveys that were conducted regarding ant species abundance. The results indicate that there are parallels between aggressive species in the laboratory assays and high abundance in the surveyed field sites. In conclusion, agonistic assays provide a generally realistic picture of ant species dominance in the field.