Diel differences in foraging in two ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Camponotus pennsylvanicus and Formica subsericea exhibit significant resource partitioning in their utilization of aphid honeydew. This is accomplished primarily by temporal differences in foraging activity. A marked difference in temperature activity ranges exists between the two species. C. pennsylvanicus, primarily nocturnal, moves faster at cooler temperatures than F. subsericea. The two species have different feeding strategies in honeydew collection. In spite of the evidence of partitioning, interspecific agonistic behavior is common, and C. pennsylvanicus is the dominant species in these interactions.