They live under our streets: ant nests (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in urban pavements

ground-dwelling ant; Lasius niger; urban conservation; urban construction; urban ecology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Ecology; Animal Science and Zoology; Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous); Plant Science; Insect Science

Abstract :

[en] In the context of global insect decline, the urbanisation process plays a key role. However, urban pavements, which are considered to be impervious to biodiversity, can harbour ground-nesting insects under certain conditions. Recent observations have revealed the presence of Formicidae nests under urban pavements. The aim of this work is to determine the species richness of Formicidae nesting under urban pavements in the Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium) and to characterise their nest environment and soil texture. Seven ant species were identified in 120 nesting sites: Lasius niger, Lasius brunneus, Lasius flavus, Lasius fuliginosus, Tetramorium caespitum, Tetramorium impurum and Myrmica rugulosa. Concrete slabs or natural stones with a sandy sub-layer are the main structures in which ants nest. In addition, nests were mainly found under modular pavements with degraded rigid joints. The results of this work highlight the capacity of urban structures to host part of ant biodiversity in cities.

Disciplines :

Zoology

Author, co-author :

Dijon, Louise ; Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech – University of Liège, TERRA, Gembloux, Belgium

Dekoninck, Wouter; Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium

Colinet, Gilles ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Echanges Eau - Sol - Plantes

Francis, Frédéric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Gestion durable des bio-agresseurs

Noël, Grégoire ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Gestion durable des bio-agresseurs

Language :

English

Title :

They live under our streets: ant nests (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in urban pavements

Publication date :

2023

Journal title :

Biodiversity Data Journal

ISSN :

1314-2828

eISSN :

1314-2836

Publisher :

Pensoft Publishers

Volume :

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/102897/download/pdf/

Funding text :

We thank Jeannine Bortels for the help with the ant preparation for setting-up in collection.

Data Set :

10.3897/BDJ.11.e102897

Available on ORBi :

since 09 June 2023

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