list of figures - Terry Sunderland

Table 15. Count of domatia and rattan species.
Ant species Count of domatia Count of rattan species
Atopomyrmex creyptoceroides 1 1
Atopomyrmex mocquerysi 1 1
Camponotus sp. 1 1 1
Cataulafcccus sp. 1 1 1
Crematogaster sp. 1 8 8
Crematogaster sp. 2 1 1
Oecophylla longinoda 2 2
Pheidole sp. 2 2
Polyrachis fissa 1 1
Polyrachis laboriosa 1 1
Polyrachis regesa 1 1
Tetramorium aculeatum 1 1
Totals = 21 21
Given the above evidence, it might be argued that ants are more specific about which
rattans they visit than the rattans are concerned by which species of ants they host.
This is not surprising given that each rattan genus has its own morphological
characteristics that influence the colonisation of domatia. Not only does there appear
to be some level of ant / rattan specificity occurring in the African rattans, the
relationship also seems to be somewhat symbiotic. The very nature of the morphology
of rattans means that the ants are provided with hospitable domatia on plant hosts that
are conveniently spiny and high enough in the canopy to deter all but the most
persistent of predators. The rattans themselves are then provided with a very effective
means of defence. The nutrient-related benefits, for example the farming of scale
insects, are also important for the colonisers. However, whether there are nutrientrelated
benefits for the rattan species colonised remains, as yet, an unsubstantiated
possibility.
4.6. SUMMARY
As discussed above, there is considerable evidence that rattans in African interact
widely with their immediate forest environment, particularly with faunal agents.
Understanding the nature of these relationships is crucial if these taxa are to be
207