STUDY ON THE ANT (FORMICIDAE) DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE IN PSMO COLLEGE CAMPUS, TIRURANGADI, KERALA, INDIA

The aim of the study is to estimate the diversity and abundance of Formicidae in PSMO College campus, Tirurangadi, Malappuram DT and Kerala using different methods. Different collection methods used includes Brush, Pitfall trap, sweep net and Hand collection method. The present study records the presence 14 species, which have been placed under 3 families, Myrmicinae, Formicinae and Pseudomyrmicinae. Ants play an important role in the environment. So, the baseline data obtained from this investigation may be helpful in preparing checklist while planning conservation strategies.