Tree Preference and Temporal Activity Patterns for a Native Ant Community in an Urbanized California Woodland

Abstract Anthropogenic disturbances, including land use change and exotic species, can alter the diversity dynamics of ant communities. To examine foraging behavior in an urbanized habitat northern California, we surveyed presence 9 species on 876 trees across 4 seasons during both day night a 9.5-hectare oak-exotic woodland. Ants were more likely to be observed native, evergreen trees, suggesting that native may help maintain diversity. Species showed clear patterns temporal partitioning activity. Ant varied their Quercus agrifolia season day/night axes. Of 3 most frequently observed, Camponotus semitestaceus was active spring summer nights, Formica moki days, Prenolepis imparis fall winter. Liometopum occidentale second night, winter day. Our findings demonstrate urban woodland Northern California able community, strong within community.