Inventaire de la Myrmécofaune dans la palmeraie de Sebseb (Ghardaïa)

Abstract

Our study aims to identify ants in the Sebseb palm grove (Ghardaïa). During prospecting period of the 4 months (January to April 2024) in three palm groves and a natural environment (control). Using two sampling methods (Barber Pots and direct hunting), 893 individuals were collected classified into 9 species and 3 subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Formicinae and Dolichoderinae). The relative abundance of species showed the dominance of Camponotus sp.1 and Lepisiota fraunfeldi in the agricultural stations, while the dominant species in the control station were Camponotus sp.1 and Tetramorium sp. Cataglyphis bombycina was the only species not restricted to palm groves. The value of the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') showed high specific diversity in the three palm groves and average in the control station with a strong balance between the numbers of different species in the four stations studied. The ant species recorded are 56% predators of other taxa, can be considered useful for plants or they do not constitute a significant threat to crops.