Zachary Jarrad

Identification of Ant Species Across the San Francisco Peaks Gradient

Ants are incredibly important to ecological systems; by the movement of soil and food collection they affect the level of soil nutrition within an area, as well as population control of prey species. Ant species vary across different vegetation types and elevation gradients. Along the San Francisco Peaks gradient in Flagstaff, Arizona there exist four major vegetation types: Grasslands, Mixed Conifer, Ponderosa Pines, and Pinyon Juniper. This project is designed to make the identification of these species of ants simpler then using the naked eye or a microscope. Knowing these ant species will provide a better understanding of the niche that certain species prefer.           

Downloadable Files

Powerpoint Presentation

Specimen Catalog



Watch Video: Ant Imaging Techniques

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