Foraging and Daily Activity Features of Ants of the Genus Formica (Insecta, Hymenoptera) in Forest–Steppe Biotopes of Saratov Oblast

Resumo

This paper presents the results of our research on the foraging activity of ants in forest–steppe biotopes of Saratov oblast. The food spectrum of ants was found to include small invertebrates (mainly insects), plant seeds, and aphid honeydew. Ants are able to switch to the most massive type of food. F. pratensis behaves as a species with a daytime or morning–evening activity type, depending on the weather conditions. F. rufa is a species with a daily activity type.