Food and Shelter: How Resources Influence Ant Ecology

Abstract

Food and nesting space are the most important resources for ants and contribute strongly to the structure of ant communities. Most ants can be considered omnivores; however, differences in morphology and digestive capabilities constrain the availability of food sources and contribute to fundamental niche differentiation. Endosymbionts may play a crucial role in facilitating nitrogen uptake, nutrient balance, or food detoxification. The location and distribution of nest sites, and whether nests are static or dynamic, affect the diets that are available to ants, given their limited foraging range. Macronutrients in ant diets have been demonstrated to affect competition and territorial behaviour. When food is available continuously, territoriality and permanent nests may be favoured, while short‐lived food sources require more frequent nest relocation. Consequently, nest types are highly variable, ranging from relatively persistent nests in the ground or wood cavities to dynamic, flexible bivouacs formed only by the worker's bodies.