DIET AND FORAGING BEHAVIOUR IN BRAZILIAN PONERINAE ANTS: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

This chapter provides a systematic review of the diet, period of activity, foraging strata and foraging strategy of Brazilian ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, synthesizing over six decades of research. Ponerinae ants exhibit diverse foraging strategies, ranging from solitary foraging to mass group raids, and occupy varied ecological niches, from omnivory to highly specialist predation. Despite their biological and ecological importance, research has focused predominantly on a few genera, leaving significant knowledge gaps for smaller, cryptic, or nocturnal genera. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, this systematic review analyzed 110 studies covering 65 species from 13 genera. The results highlight the evolutionary and ecological adaptations of Ponerinae ants, such as their recruitment strategies and prey specialization. These findings emphasize their potential as models for studying social behaviour, phenotypic plasticity, and ecological interactions. However, most genera remain understudied, limiting comprehensive understanding. This review calls for expanded research efforts on neglected genera using modern tools and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, it emphasizes the applied relevance of studying Ponerinae ants, from biological pest control to forensic science, showcasing their broader scientific and economic significance.