A simple method to differentially exclude ants from tree canopies based on ant body size

作者：Romeu Dalmau Carla^*; Espadaler Xavier; Pinol Josep

来源：Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2010, 1(2): 188-191.

DOI：10.1111/j.2041-210X.2010.00015.x

• ant exclusion
• Camponotus
• Formica
• Lasius grandis

1. Ants are ubiquitous components of most terrestrial communities. Ant exclusion from tree canopies using sticky barriers is frequently used to ascertain the ant's role in the community. This method is very effective but cannot differentiate between ant species, and excludes them all from the canopy.
2. Here we describe a simple method which permits free access of small ants to the canopy, and excludes ants larger than a defined size. This method is flexible in the sense that can be adapted to decide to some degree which species of ants in each particular community are allowed access to tree canopies.

• 出版日期2010-6