Diversity and Distribution of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Across Three Ecosystems in Lagos State Nigeria

Abstract

Ants are widely used as bioindicators because their diversity and species composition respond to environmental conditions. This study investigated the diversity, distribution, and abundance of ant species across three ecosystem types in Lagos State, Nigeria: nature reserves (conservation and recreation), agroecosystems (cassava farms), and residential areas. Three sampling methods (pitfall traps, baiting, and hand collection) were employed. Diversity indices and Bray Curtis dissimilarity were used to characterise community structure and assess similarity among sites. A total of 101 ant species belonging to 6 subfamilies and 30 genera were recorded. Species richness varied across ecosystems, with higher richness in agroecosystems (80 species), followed by nature reserves (61 species) and residential areas (28 species). Diversity and richness differed significantly among sites (p < 0.05), with Badagry showing the highest diversity (3.51) and Alimosho the lowest (2.07). Some overlap in species composition was observed between nature reserves and residential areas, including the presence of non-native species. The occurrence of these species across all ecosystems suggests widespread human-mediated dispersal. These findings highlight patterns of variation in ant assemblages across land-use types and underscore the need for continued monitoring to support biodiversity conservation in rapidly urbanising tropical landscapes.