Tropical household ants species composition and distribution in rapid urbanization area in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

Ants are social insects that are commonly found in tropical ecosystems and have adapted well to the urban environment. They are among the most prevalent pests in households. This study demonstrates the abundance and prevalence of structure infesting ants in residential buildings in Penang Island, Malaysia. Three locations situated in urban, suburban and rural areas were surveyed. In each area, 15 houses were assessed using modified baiting method by using 15ml centrifuge tube baited with peanut butter (13.9% protein and 41% fat) and honey (75% carbohydrate). Two collections were performed, one in the daytime and one at night, with five samples used in each period, totalling ten samples for one house. The top five most common household ants species found from the surveyed houses are P. longicornis (22.09%), T. indicum (17.74%), T. melanocephalum (17.0%), M. pharaonis (10.61%), and Pheidole spp. (5.22%). The data generated from the study will provide background information for the management of household ants in Malaysia and its neighbouring countries in the years to come.