Ants associate with microlepidoptera galleries in leaves of Acrostichum danaeifolium Langsd. & Fisch.

Acrostichum danaeifolium, a Neotropical fern, occurs preferentially in marshy areas or at the margins of lakes and mangroves. Microlepidoptera larvae burrow through petioles on non-expanded leaves. The galleries petiole create new microhabitat, harboring rich fauna arthropods. aim present study was to assess richness ants associated with its petiole. conducted population A. danaefolium from Atlantic Forest Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil. Six collections were carried out every two months (2009-2010), three dry rainy season. leaves divided into development stages: (NEL), expanded (EL) senescent (SL). Seven each phase randomly collected seven individuals. A total fifteen ant species recorded. highest frequency density fern Camponotus crassus Crematogaster curvispinosa. abundance found high number qualifies it as potential key marshes flooded where occurs.