Ecological Traits of Formica Aquilonia Yarrow (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Environmental System of the Coal Mining Region

Abstract

The ecological traits of the settlement of ants Formica aqiulonia Yarrow were studied in areas influenced by various anthropogenic factors (recreation, coal industry, increasing road traffic). We have revealed that ants are sensitive to any effects and in the overwhelming cases disappear from the contaminated area. Anthills with a dome diameter of 0.65-0.80 appeared to be the most resistant to various anthropogenic factors. No changes in the diet of F. aquilonia have been detected in the zone of coalmine impact. On the contrary, in the areas with a high recreational impact, the proportion first and second instar larvae of the Colorado beetle is increasing, which makes it possible to consider this species as a biological defense.