Effect of Mount Diameter on Mound Spacing in a Formica exsectiodes Population in Central Pennsylvania

• Eric Butler

  Juniata College

  Author

• Amara Camp

  Juniata College

  Author

Several studies have suggested the existence of a “kill zone” around ant colonies that prevents other colonies from settling within it. In this study, data were collected on mound diameter (assumed to be a measure of colony size) and mound spacing in an attempt to assess the existence and strength of any relationship between colony size and size of “kill zone” in Formica exsectiodes. Sampling was conducted exhaustively in a clearing in Huntingdon, PA, in an area of dense F. exsectiodes population. A regression test was run on the data, and produced a non-significant p-value of 0.088. This provides no evidence to suggest the existence of a relationship between colony size and spacing.

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