Ants are ecologically important components of agricultural ecosystems, contributing to soil modification, nutrient cycling, and regulation of arthropod populations. Despite their significance, crop-specific information on ant assemblages from the semi-arid agricultural landscapes of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, remains limited. The present study investigates ant diversity and community composition across three major kharif crops—soybean (Glycine max), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and cotton (Gossypium spp.)—cultivated in Bhatkuli tehsil of Amravati district. Field sampling conducted from July to December 2024 using pitfall traps and timed hand collection resulted in 1,270 individuals representing 12 species, 11 genera, and five subfamilies. Soybean fields recorded the highest diversity (Shannon–Wiener index, H' = 2.18) and evenness (E = 0.91), whereas cotton fields exhibited lower diversity (H' = 1.84) and higher dominance (D = 0.21), largely due to the prevalence of Camponotus compressus. The results demonstrate that crop architecture and management intensity strongly influence ant community structure. The study emphasizes the importance of crop heterogeneity in conserving beneficial ant fauna and enhancing ecosystem services in the agricultural landscapes of Vidarbha.
Ant diversity, Agro-ecosystems, Bhatkuli, Soybean, Cotton, Pigeon Pea.
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