"The Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Poland is a monographic study of 98 ant species from 25 genera and four subfamilies whose occurrence in Poland has been reliably reported. The book comprises three sections. The first is a catalogue of the Polish ants which provides a systematic review of the species together with information about their geographical ranges, occurrence in Poland and biology. When necessary, a taxonomic history of the species is included. This section cites all faunistic literature data from the first publication in 1780 up to the year 2000. These are supplemented by data obtained by examining museum ant collections. Maps show the Palaearctic ranges of the species together with their distribution in geographical regions of Poland. The second section characterises the myrmecofauna of Poland, including its species, zoogeographical and ecological compositions. The thirds section consists of keys for identification of the Polish ant taxa (subfamilies, genera and species). This is the first complete set of keys to the ants of Poland."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The present catalogue summarizes the information on species composition and distribution of ants in Bulgaria, known until 2010 from literature and museum collections. The authors have worked intensively on Bulgarian myrmecofauna for the last 10 years. The Bulgarian myrmecofauna currently comprises 163 species from 40 genera and 6 subfamilies. The species list accounts synonyms and the respective publications they were used in, as well as all known localities in Bulgaria. Known localities are grouped by geographical regions and maps with concrete localities or regions for each species are provided. The conservation status of threatened ant species is discussed. The catalogue of Bulgarian ants may be of interest to myrmecologists, ecologists, biogeographers, conservationists and any zoological library.

A richly illustrated natural history of ants, covering their diversity, ecology, anatomy, behavior, and more Plentiful and familiar, ants make up an estimated one-third of the world’s insect biomass and can be found in virtually every part of the globe, from rain forest canopies to city sidewalks. But their importance is about more than numbers: ants are fundamental species in a range of habitats and their interactions with plants, fungi, and other animals ensure the survival of many fragile and complex ecosystems. This beautifully illustrated book explores the extraordinary diversity of ants and offers insights into their elaborate social systems, investigating the key collective and competitive behaviors that operate within their varied colony structures. Featuring exceptional close-up photographs and clearly organized thematic chapters, the book covers anatomy, evolution, life cycle, ecology, and other important topics. Each chapter also features profiles of standout genera, chosen for their fascinating characteristics, including Leafcutter Ants, who build nests containing up to 7,000 chambers; Pugnacious Ants whose colonies can destroy populations of crabs within hours; and Honeypot Ants whose worker caste store food in their stomachs for other colony members to consume. Drawing on current research, Ants offers an inviting and accessible introduction to these remarkable insects. Includes more than 200 stunning color photographs, plus infographics and diagrams Presents full profiles of 42 iconic genera from across the world Features clearly structured thematic chapters

This photographic field guide covers every species of ant found in Britain and Europe. More than 400 species of ant can be found in the region and Ants of Britain and Europe covers them all, describing 150 species in detail. The accounts include information on field characteristics, confusion species, habitat and biology, and distribution maps. The book also features a comprehensive introduction to ant ecology and guidance on where to look for ants, a glossary, an overview of families suitable for beginners to entomology, and a detailed, illustrated identification key. Nearly 600 photos are included, showing species close-up and in their natural habitats.

From the Arctic to South Africa - one finds them everywhere: Ants. Making up nearly 15% of the entire terrestrial animal biomass, ants are impressive not only in quantitative terms, they also fascinate by their highly organized and complex social system. Their caste system, the division of labor, the origin of altruistic behavior and the complex forms of chemical communication makes them the most interesting group of social organisms and the main subject for sociobiologists. Not least is their ecological importance: Ants are the premier soil turners, channelers of energy and dominatrices of the insect fauna. TOC:The importance of ants.- Classification and origins.- The colony life cycle.- Altruism and the origin of the worker caste.- Colony odor and kin recognition.- Queen numbers and domination.- Communication.- Caste and division of labor.- Social homeostasis and flexibility.- Foraging and territorial strategies.- The organization of species communities.- Symbioses among ant species.- Symbioses with other animals.- Interaction with plants.- The specialized predators.- The army ants.- The fungus growers.- The harvesters.- The weaver ants.- Collecting and culturing ants.- Glossary.- Bibliography.- Index.