Foraging distances, foraging areas and nest distribution in Aphaenogaster senilis Mayr (Hym. Formicidae)

The spatial pattern of nest distribution in Aphaenogaster senilis was studied in two western Mediterranean sclerophyllous areas. Mean distance to the nearest-neighbour nest was 3.3 m (range 1.7-6.3 m) in both areas. In one of the areas the pattern was more dispersed than expected (Clark & Evans' R = 1.34, z = 5.26), while in the other it was at random (R = 1.25, z = 1.75). Mean (± s.d.) foraging distances were 1.71 ± 0.12 m (range 0.30-4.94 m) and 1.65 ± 0.24m (range 0.46-3.93 m). Nests showed broadly overlapping foraging areas. The correct term for the space used in this species is home range.