Mechanisms of carbohydrate-fueled ecological dominance in a tropical rainforest canopy-foraging ant

We looked at four hypotheses that may explain how a diet rich in carbohydrates can provide ecological dominance in canopy ants: Aggressive Defense, High Tempo, Foraging Success, and Prey Acquisition.  Experiments and dietary observations were done on the canopy foraging ant, Paraponera clavata. We found no support for the Aggressive Defense, High Tempo and Prey Acquisition hypotheses. The Foraging Success hypothesis was supported, as the proportion of nectar in the diet predicted the overall foraging success of the ants. Although nectar may not provide the ants with an advantage, it is readily available in the rainforest canopy therefore becoming the main part of their diet.