Species assemblages and diversity of litter ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) along an altitudinal gradient across two vegetation types in Hanthana Forest in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study yielded 9 subfamilies 32 genera and 56 morpho-species of ants from the two vegetation types. • Genus Pheidole had the highest number of species while Solenopsis sp. 1 was the most widely distributed and abundant species. • The mixed woodlands, regardless of elevation, were richer in ant species than pine plantations. • The difference in litter ants in Hanthana Forest is possibly due to differences in vegetation types rather than altitude.