A comparative study of ant tunnelling and foraging behaviour in camponotus albosparsus and solenopsis geminata

As one of the most varied and essential insect groups for the environment, ants display a wide range of behaviours vital to the survival of their colonies and the environment. Despite the ecological importance of ants, limited knowledge exists regarding how different species' behaviours contribute to ecosystem dynamics, hindering effective conservation and management strategies. The objective of this experiment is to compare the structural aspect of tunnel constructed and examine the foraging strategies employed by Camponotus alboparsus (Carpenter ant) and Solenopsis geminata (Fire ant). These species are classified into separate genera and occupy diverse ecological niches; fire ants are known for their aggressive foraging and stinging behaviour, whereas carpenter ants typically nest in wood-based buildings. The experiment took place in a formicarium for five days. Both C. alboparsus and S. geminata were provided with a soil-based set-up and anti-escape measures. The tunnels' structural aspects, construction methods, and architectural intricacies were thoroughly examined and compared across both species. The foraging behaviour was also investigated by monitoring the recruitment and foraging activities. The response of both ant species to food sources, foraging efficiency, and their food distribution are examined. The result revealed a significant difference between C. alboparsus and S. geminata tunnelling and foraging behaviour. C. alboparsus exhibited a more detailed, shorter, and larger radius tunnel, while S. geminata exhibited a more extensive tunnel, longer and smaller in radius. In conclusion, this research enhances our understanding of nature and helps in developing efficient algorithms for tasks like route planning and excavation.