Foraging activity of Western Cape ant species at different temperatures

Abstract

This excel workbook contains the density of foragers of Western Cape ant species at different temperatures. Observations were made in 13 sites in the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biomes in spring, summer, autumn, and winter to get a range of temperatures and environmental conditions. Surveys were made at different times of the day and where possible also after sunset. Three different bait types were used to attract a wide variety of ant species. Foraging densities are calculated as numbers of ants foraging at a certain temperature divided through number of baits available to it at te temperature. The latter takes into account that species only occurred in some sites and many did not use all bait types. The work was conducted by Brigitte Braschler as part of her postdoctoral studies at the CIB at Stellenbosch University under the supervision of Steven L. Chown.