Ant genus to species ratios: a practical trial for surrogacy value in Victorian forests

The relationship between the number of ant genera and morphospecies is investigated for samples from mesic forests of southeastern Victoria, and the effect of disturbance (in this case bushfire) on this relationship appraised. Few genera contained more than one morphospecies, so that a strong relationship was found for ant genera and species for the entire sampling period, approximating a 1:1 ratio. Strong relationships between genera and species were maintained after disturbance, and these may aid rapid assessment of diversity and change of ant faunas In the mesic forests of south-east Australia.