Changes of ant species composition in the Indian Sunderbans in response to a tropical cyclone (Yaas)

Abstract

The effects of tropical cyclone (YAAS) on the ant community in the Indian Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove forest are described in the present study. Ants are the most common, and widely distributed insect. Ants are very sensitive and respond fast to environmental changes. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study is to examine the variety and distribution of ant species in the Sunderbans after cyclonic disturbances. Ant samples were sampled after six months of that incident from five different locations of Indian Sunderbans during November, 2021 to March, 2022 using hand collection, pitfall traps, honey bait, and soil extraction techniques. Total 27 species from 19 genera and 5 subfamilies of ant species were found after cyclonic disturbances. The most speciose subfamily was Myrmicinae, which was followed by Formicinae, Dolichoderinae, Ponerinae and Pseudomyrmicinae. Ant genus Tetraponera (19.6%) was most abundant followed by Monomorium (18.3%), Paratrechina (16.7%), Pheidole (12%), Camponotus (11.8%) and Crematogaster (5.5%). The list of ant species found in the Indian Sunderbans was expanded to include Technomyrmex bicolor and Trichomyrmex aberrans .