Diversity of Ant in and around Nasik city

Study Extent

The observation was done in Urban region of Nashik.

Sampling

The collection of ants was done in morning and evening. Intensive all out search method was carried out for the collection. Searching for ants in tree crevices, under the stones, by sifting leaf litter etc. Pitfalls were used. Plastic glass of 8 cm deep with an opening of 5.7cm diameter and was filled of water with a little colourless detergent. Collection was also done by hand using forceps and honey bait trap.

Method steps

1. The collected specimens were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level.
2. Irrespective of the scheduled time, ant specimens are collected whenever and from wherever possible during the study period from different habitats of the study area.
3. For collection and preservation standard methods were adapted (Saranya Sivadasan, 2013).
4. Ants are observed and identified by using stereoscopic microscope and identification key (Bolton 1994, 1995;Hölldobler et al., 1990; Mathew and Tiwari 2000).

Family Formicidae

1. Formicidae
   common name: Ant rank: family

Between 18.33 degree and 20.53 degree North latitude and between 73.16 degree and 75.16 degree East Longitude