Préférences des fourmis en matière de type et de structure d’habitat : résultats sur quatre tourbières d’Auvergne (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Abstract

Habitat type and structure preferences in ants: results from four peat bogs in Auvergne (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). - The link between habitats and ants was studied in the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d’Auvergne to understand better the ecological conditions favorable to the species. The study area was composed of four peat bogs in the Puy-de-Dôme. The method consisted in the description of the habitat (type and structure) and the inventory of ants by baits within 1149 plots of 16 m2. The analyses highlight links between habitat and myrmecofauna within these peat bogs. The species concerned are Formica picea Nylander, 1846, Formica lemani Bondroit, 1917, Lasius platythorax Seifert, 1991, Myrmica ruginodis Nylander, 1846 and Myrmica scabrinodis Nylander, 1846. The bibliographic elements concerning the ecological preferences of the different species are globally confirmed. Formica picea and Myrmica scabrinodis are particularly associated with raised bog habitats with a low vegetation structure. Formica lemani is found almost exclusively in mesophilic grasslands where it prefers higher vegetation. Lasius plathythorax is found in raised bog and low marsh habitats and transitional bogs in particular, with low vegetation. Only Myrmica ruginodis is favored by tall vegetation structures and preferentially frequents molinia and megaphorbia.