Component Analysis and Modeling of the Movement Process - the Interaction Between Ants and Ant-Lions

Abstract

The interaction between three species of ants and the pits of ant-lions has been studied. The probability of falling into a pit following contact is negatively related to pit size and positively related to ant size. The probability of being caught after having fallen in is positively related to pit size and negatively related to ant size. In both cases prediction of the probabilities is possible from a knowledge of pit size and ant size. The probability of contact between ants and pits increases with pit density. These results are presented as prerequisites for incorporation into a more general simulation model of animal movement, and the structure of an appropriate submodel is presented. The interpretation and ecological consequences of the results are discussed.