LAUSR

Abstract  Ant abundance and diversity are affected by numerous factors, including competition. Pavement ants (Tetramorium immigrans Santschi) are by far the most dominant species in North American urban areas, and so likely engage in interspecific competition and thus affect the abundance and diversity of other ant species. Ant abundance and diversity were monitored at the level of genus at two field sites in West Lafayette, IN, taking into account temperature, humidity, and habitat as possible factors in ant distribution. Temperature was found to be a significant factor affecting the abundance of ants, while humidity was not. The different habitats at the two locations resulted in the presence of different genera. The number of pavement ants was positively correlated with the number of cornfield ants (Lasius neoniger Emery) in Copper Beech Apartments, but not at Purdue Village. There was also a slightly greater diversity of ants found at Copper Beech Apartments.