Effects of thermal stress on ant behavior

We present data on the effects of thermal stress in two ant systems: First, we compare the behavior of Aphaenogaster rudis (low elevation specialist) and A. picea (high elevation specialist) along a temperate elevational gradient in Shenandoah National Park, VA, USA. We use a combination of field observations and common-garden laboratory manipulations of both species collected across the range boundary to measure responses to thermal stress.

Second, we test the effect of experimentally induced warming on tropical Psuedomyrmex spinicola acacia ants in Parque Metropolitano, Panama. We compare the behavior of colonies subjected to whole-plant treatments that increase temperature in the field to control colonies. Thermals stress effects both the ants’ own behavior directly, and may also indirectly reduce their effectiveness as mutualists to their acacia host.