Abstract
To grow and reproduce well, animals facing fluctuations in abiotic conditions must adjust their physiology, activity rhythms, and foraging behavior accordingly. The foraging activity and food preferences of the samsum ant Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Mayr) (Hymenoptera Formicidae Ponerinae) were investigated both in the field and in the laboratory. Foraging activity was examined in the field for two years (2008-2009) and through all four seasons. Ant foraging activity was recorded over a twenty-four hour period along with ambient temperature and relative humidity to examine possible correlations with ant activity patterns. The results of the study indicate that foraging activity may be influenced by time, temperature and relative humidity. During the spring, the activity of the workers during the daytime was at a maximum at 12:00 at 16-21 degrees C and a relative humidity of 52-58%. However, in the summer, when the temperature was generally higher, foraging activity was greater during cooler times of the day and night. Foraging activity decreased during the autumn and winter. The study found no seasonal shifts in food preference in the foraging ants. P. sennaarensis consistently preferred protein and carbohydrate rewards to lipids. However, the results indicated that minced meat was consumed significantly more than other proteinaceous foods. Lipids were generally ignored by P. sennaarensis.