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sianhilton: Tetramorium caespitum (25. Nov 2007 15:40)

Why are Tetramorium c aespitum not as widespread in the uk as Lasius Niger but seem to be fairly widespread in the North America.

Is it a climate?
Competition?
Habitat?
or a combination of the both?

They seem to be a very adaptable species of ant and pretty hardy adjusting to changing conditions.

So I do not understand why they have not made more headway other than in the south coast regions?

tail__: (25. Nov 2007 16:03)

T. caespitum like a bit warmer and less humid habitats than L. niger. In N. America they live only 300 years, maybe they simply didn't have time to invade whole continent. In America they prefer human towns than more wild areas, where competition with native species is stronger. But large populated areas with comfortable pavements were rare until 20th century.

sianhilton: (27. Nov 2007 19:27)

I can imagine from a climate stand point this maybe an inhibitor to their expansion in the uk, but for an ant that is regarded as very adaptable to change I am still surprised they have made much head way in the UK.

Even from a competition point of view they can be quite a dominant force and would given the right conditions displace other less aggressive species.

Maybe they just like to be beside the seaside!!!