BioBlitz Series - Ant Blitz

 Researchers search for ants along the shoreline next to the road.
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From June 22 to 24, 2003, the National Park Service, Acadian Entomological Society, and Maine Entomological Society sponsored a collecting effort to determine the diversity of native ants found in the Mount Desert Island portion of Acadia National Park. Forty-four species of ants were found in six different survey areas, which reflects a high biodiversity relative to the total species richness in the state of Maine (61 species). Several spatially rare species were found, as well as one new state record. This survey provided an excellent baseline community data set for future studies in ANP regarding changes in ant biodiversity.

Volunteers listen intently at an introductory meeting. Sticky paper was laid to trap ant species. Researcher takes an up-close look at an ant.
An ant's nest is found buried in the grass. Volunteers search the shoreline for specimans. Researchers use microscropes to help identify species.

Visit the following pages for more information about other BioBlitzes conducted at Acadia National Park: Beetle Blitz, Butterfly Blitz, and Fly Blitz.

Last Updated: 24-Aug-2006
Contact: Editor
http://www.nps.gov /archive/acad/serc/research/antblitz.htm