Skip to main content
Log in

The Distribution of the Ant, Cataulacus Guineensis F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in a Ghanaian Cocoa Farm

  • Published:
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The spatial distribution of Cataulacus guineensis F. Smith in relation to shade regimes and also in relation to other ant species is investigated. It was found that the species prefers nesting in areas with continuous shade. It has a significant association with Oecophylla longinoda Latr. and also with Camponotus olivieri (Forel), but has non-significant association with Macromischoides aculeatus Mayr, Crematogaster depressa Latr. and Polyrhachis decemdentata Adre. The colony size of C. guineensis was also studied, and 1 to 3 nests were found to constitute any one colony. Abundance of nests and nest distribution in relation to shade regimes was examined. Observations on the insects in defending their nests are reported.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ackonor J. B. (1977) The distribution, nesting habits and activity pattern of Cataulacus guineensis F. Smith (Hymenop: Formicidae) in a Ghanian cocoa farm. M.Sc. thesis, Zoology Department, University of Ghana, Legon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anipare C. (1971) B.Sc. project, Department of Zoology, University of Ghana, Legon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aryeetey E. A. (1971) The biology and ecology of Macromischoides aculeatus (Hymenop: Formicides) in cocoa farms in Ghana. M.Sc. thesis, Zoology Department, University of Ghana, Legon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailey N. T. J. (1959) Statistical Methods in Biology. English University Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolton B. (1974) A revision of the palaeotropical arboreal ant genus Cataulacus F. Smith (Hymenop: Formicidae). Bull. Br. Mus. nat. Hist. B, 30, 1–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dice L. R. (1952) Natural Communities. University of Michigan Press, Michigan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Forel A. (1917) Cadre synoptique actuel de la faune universelle des formis. Bull. Soc. vaud. Sci. nat. Lausanne. 51, 229–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayashida K. (1960) Studies on the ecological distribution of ants in Sapro and its vicinity. Insects Soc. 7, 125–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leston D. (1968) Diurnal activity of Oecophylla tonginoda. Reports Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo, Ghana, 1965–1966,. 62–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leston D. (1970) Entomology of the cocoa farm. A. Rev. Ent. 15, 273–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leston D. (1971) Ants, capaids and swollen shoot in Ghana: interactions and implications for pest control. Proceedings 3rd International Cocoa Research Conference, Accra, 1969, pp. 205–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Majer J. D. (1972) The ant mosaic in Ghana cocoa farms. Bull. ent. Res. 62, 151–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Majer J. D. (1976a) The ant mosaic in Ghana cocoa farms: further structural considerations. J. appl. Ecol. 13, 145–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Majer J. D. (1976b) The influence of ants and ant manipulation on the cocoa farm fauna. J. appl. Ecol. 13, 157–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Majer J. D. (1976c) The maintenance of the ant mosaic in Ghana cocoa farms. J. appl. Ecol. 13, 123–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Room P. M. (1971) The relative distribution of ant species in Ghana’s cocoa farms. J. anim. Ecol. 40, 735–751.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Correspondence to: Professor R. Kumar, Head, Department of Zoology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box 67, Legon, Ghana.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ackonor, J.B. The Distribution of the Ant, Cataulacus Guineensis F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in a Ghanaian Cocoa Farm. Int J Trop Insect Sci 1, 249–261 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400000497

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400000497

Key Words

Navigation