Diversity and Abundance of Ants from Tehsil Nerwa of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study focused on diversity, abundance and functional groups of ants from Tehsil Nerwa of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 693 ant specimens representing 33 species belonging to 22 genera of 4 subfamilies were collected. Myrmicinae is the most diverse and abundant subfamily. Dolichoderinae is the least diverse subfamily while Ponerinae is the least abundant subfamily. During this study also reports range extension of 3 invasive species. 2 Species are endemic to the region. In this study seven functional groups of ants were identified. These are: “Generalized Myrmicinae”, “Opportunists”, “Subordinate Camponotini”, “Hot climate Specialists”, “Cold climate Specialists”, “Cryptic Species”, and “Specialist Predators”. The area is very susceptible to anthropogenic activity, as indicated by the prevalence of invasive species there. Therefore, some stringent measures should be taken to preserve the deteriorating ecosystem of the study area.