They live under our streets: ant nests (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in urban pavements

• Published in: Biodiversity data journal Vol. 11; pp. e102897 - 15
• Main Authors: Dijon, Louise, Dekoninck, Wouter, Colinet, Gilles, Francis, Frédéric, Noel, Grégoire
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers 27.04.2023
• Subjects: Belgium; Biodiversity; Biomass; Cities; decline; Ecology; Ecosystems; Food; Foraging behavior; Formicidae; ground-dwelling; Influence; insects; Lasius flavus; Lasius niger; Myrmica; Nests; Site selection; Soil texture; Species richness; Tetramorium caespitum; Urban areas; urban conservation; urban ecology; urbanization; Vegetation; Belgium; urban conservation; Lasiusniger; urban ecology; ground-dwelling ant; urban construction

In the context of global insect decline, the urbanisation process plays a key role. However, urban pavements, which are considered to be impervious to biodiversity, can harbour ground-nesting insects under certain conditions. Recent observations have revealed the presence of Formicidae nests under u...