Abstract: We are studying the taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and diversity of ants in tropical Asia. Although ants are important components of terrestrial ecosystems with high biomass, their diversity cannot be accurately determined in tropical regions due to the large number of species with unknown scientific names. To solve this taxonomic problem, we are collecting samples during field surveys in Japan and overseas, and elucidating species diversity through morphological observations and molecular biological experiments.We are also using DNA barcoding and multivariate analysis to determine the effects of anthropogenic disturbance due to deforestation, plantationization, and fire, and disturbance due to flooding and global warming on ant communities.
