Effects of the Mound Nests of the Ant, Formica obscuripes, on the Surrounding Vegetation

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Abstract
Plant species richness, diversity and abundance were measured in quadrats at varying distances from active mound nests of the ant, F. obscuripes. Most species were distributed throughout the study areas, but 7 were associated with mounds. In areas dominated by juniper, species richness and diversity were negatively correlated with distance from nests; this was not true of areas dominated be grasses. Species abundance, as measured by stem and tiller number, reached a peak 1.5 m from mounds in juniper areas, beyond which it decreased linearly. Species abundance and distance from nests showed less obvious patterns in grass areas. Seed dispersal by ants is unimportant in determining vegetation structure, but altered soil conditions in the vicinity of mounds are partially responsible for the observed patterns of plant distribution. In general, local disturbances caused by ant mounds increase the heterogeneity of the plant community. This effect is strongest in early successional communities.

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