Ants from Mexican Arid and Semiarid Zones

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Arid and semiarid zones are generally considered places that contain few species; however, a high diversity of ants has been recorded in these areas. These organisms exhibit morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations in response to the extreme environmental conditions of these ecosystems. In this study, we focused on ants in the arid and semiarid zones of Mexico, where 286 species belonging to 54 genera and 8 subfamilies were identified. Analysis of an accumulation curve of the species that have been reported over the last 44 years in these areas indicates that we currently know approximately 50% of the expected species; therefore, there are still many unknown species because the species accumulation curve calculated by randomization is far from reaching an asymptote. Ant studies that have been carried out in Mexico cover different aspects, such as understanding the factors that affect the structure of ant communities, which are related to vegetation and soil variables. The activity patterns of some species as well as the interactions between ants and plants have been studied. Work has also been done on the registration and description of new species for these areas. Although the number of studies on ants in the arid and semiarid zones of Mexico has been increasing in recent years, there are still many gaps in the knowledge of these insects, especially in arid zones like the Northeast region of the country.