Author:
Birgit C. SCHLICK-STEINER & Florian M. STEINER


Year:
1999


Title:
Faunistisch-ökologische Untersuchungen an den freilebenden Ameisen (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Wiens

Journal:
Myrmecologische Nachrichten

Volume:
3

Pages:
9-53


Keywords:
ant-fauna, Vienna, Austria, methods, autecology, ecological parameters

Abstract:
In summer of 1997, the outdoors living ants of Vienna (the whole district including urban, suburban and natural areas) were investigated. Nine different methods were used to sample 69 sites, and all sites were characterized by measuring eleven ecological parameters. 57 species were identified. Additional information (e.g. museum collections, literature) resulted in a total of 67 species. The pitfall traps combined with hand collecting proved to be sufficient for obtaining a temporary list of the species of Vienna. Nevertheless, the other methods added information on the distribution of several species. There was a tendency of high species numbers at natural, xerothermic sites. The results of simple linear regressions between the number of ant species and the measured parameters showed a positive influence of dryness. The constany of occurence is differing between the species. According to their distribution patterns some species (e.g. Lasius niger, Solenopsis fugax) cope well with urbanization. Some can be classified as hemerophile, others as hemerophobe. The results of multiple logistic regressions between the occurence of 37 species and various parameters are used to discuss their autecological requirements. The species composition of the forest sites was clearly defined by clusteranalysis and showed distinct difference to the other investigation sites. Compared to other Central European cities (Linz, Warsaw, Mainz, Köln) Vienna has the most diverse ant fauna. This may be among others a result of its location, overlapping two zoogeographical zones (Pannonic / Montanic).

Publisher:
Österreichische Gesellschaft für Entomofaunistik

ISSN:
1994-4136