Abstract
The distribution of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests, the effect of abiotic factors on the species population density, and possible influence on species richness of other ants were investigated in a diversified agroecosystem in the Southeast of Brazil. Plots cultivated with different crops were sampled in the Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica, in Seropedica, RJ, Brazil. The nest distribution was aggregated and. the nest area per hectare was significantly related with soil and air temperatures. The ant fauna species richness was not influenced by S. invicta density.
Key words
fire ant; abiotic factors; species richness.