A Neotropical Ant Mosaic

Abstract

All previously described tropical ant mosaics have occurred in the Old World. In Bahia, Brazil, at least 2 ponerines, 8 dolichoderines, and 2 myrmicines are dominant ants and usually distributed inter se in a mosaic: the 1st New World mosaic is described. This differs from Old World mosaics in having dolichoderines and ponerines functioning as dominants and in the absence of dominant formicines. Continental drift is invoked in partial explanation and the radiation of ants seen as a pre-Tertiary event in the 1st instance. It is likely the mosaic has a profound effect upon the distribution of tree crop pests, notably in cocoa.