Effect of Argentine ant invasions on Japanese ant fauna in Hiroshima Prefecture, Western Japan: A preliminary report (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Effects of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile on the resident ant fauna were investigated in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Argentine ants are widespread in lowland areas of Hatsukaichi City and westernmost Hiroshima City. The Argentine ant invasion has remarkably reduced species richness of resident ants. Among 11 common epigeic species, nine species were vulnerable to Argentine ants, whereas Paratrechina sakurae and Camponotus vitiosus appeared less affected by this invasion.