Epigeic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in vineyards and grassland areas in the Campanha region, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

In order to characterize the epigeic myrmecofauna in fields and vineyards in the physiographic region of Campanha, located in the Pampa biome, state of Rio Grande do Sul, inventories were conducted on three farms. On each farm, samples were collected in three environments: the rows in the vineyards, the spaces between rows in the vineyards, and the adjacent areas, with vegetation similar to that which preceded the establishment of crops. In each environment, 20 points were sampled using pitfall traps. We collected 72 species distributed among 24 genera and seven subfamilies. The study provides the first inventory of the ant fauna in the region, contributing with new records for the state of Rio Grande do Sul and for Brazil. It is hoped that this inventory will stimulate further studies on the biodiversity of this biome that is still poorly known.