Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in subterranean natural cavities of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

A list of ant species collected in caves at different localities of Minas Gerais state, Brazil is presented, based on specimens deposited in the Entomological Collection Padre Jesus Santiago Moure (DZUP). Of the 51 species/morphospecies found, two are new records for the state. We encourage an increase in ant collection efforts in Brazilian caves using different sampling techniques and comparative approaches in order to improve the current knowledge of ant diversity in these environments.