O que as formigas neotropicais comem? Uma revisão sistemática da relação entre a dieta e os ambientes climáticos

Abstract

Ants, with their diversity, play a vital role in ecosystems. The diet of ants is highly varied, with some being generalists while others specialize in specific foods. These insects' diet is an important indicator for environmental conservation, as any alteration can affect their food choices. Changes in climate, soil composition, or environmental structure can directly impact ant diets, especially in the neotropical region, rich in biodiversity. This study aimed to compile information about ant diets in this region, seeking to understand if species in similar climates share similar diets. Out of the 601 identified articles, only 22 met the criteria for analysis, with half of the studies conducted in Brazilian territory. Most of the studied species in the identified research belong to the Myrmicinae family. This study revealed an increasing interest in the neotropical ant diet over time. The analysis showed that ant diets significantly vary with geographic distance and climate. Species in similar environments do not necessarily share the same diet. This suggests that dietary preferences may be more determined by species than by the environment. Genera such as Atta, Acromyrmex, and Pogonomyrmex were extensively studied, standing out due to their species diversity and dietary preferences. However, some species, like Labidus coecus, showed distinct feeding behaviors from those found in research, such as feeding on sea turtle eggs, indicating adaptations to specific conditions. The study points to a need for more comprehensive research on ant diets, yet more studies are lacking on other genera found in the neotropical region. The established database could serve as a foundation for future research, enriching studies on the trophic ecology of these insects crucial for terrestrial ecosystems.