Species interslope divergence of ants caused by sharp microclimatic stresses at ‘Evolution Canyon’ II, Lower Nahal Keziv, western Upper Galilee, Israel

Abstract

species diversity of ants was recorded in 2000–2001 at seven stations of a microsite in nahal Keziv, western upper galilee, designated as ‘evolution Ca­ nyon’ II. In the 7000 m2 area, we recorded 31 ant species including one species identified only at the genus level: 19 on the ‘African’ slope, 12 on the ‘European’ slope, and 17 species at the valley bottom. among the recorded species one is new to the fauna of Israel (Cataglyphis semitonsus). Interslope ant species com­ position varies remarkably due to differential microclimatic conditions, partly demonstrating the effect of microclimate differences on ant species diversity at a microscale. further studies at this site following the ‘evolution Canyon’ mo­ del as conducted at eC I in mount Carmel, will enable in­depth investigations of changes in biodiversity, adaptation and incipient sympatric speciation, i.e. evolution in action, within a relatively free breeding interslope populations.