Structural Stability of Ant-plant Mutualistic Networks Mediated by Extrafloral Nectaries: Looking at the Effects of Forest Fragmentation in the Brazilian Amazon

Rainforest fragmentation drastically affects biodiversity and species composition, mainly due to habitat loss. Several studies have already shown the effects of forest on plant ant communities. To date, however, there is limited empirical knowledge how ant-plant interaction in networks. We investigated configuration rainforest fragments structure networks mediated by extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). carried out this study ten fragments, ranging size from approximately 5 3,000 ha, located Brazilian Amazon. In each fragment we established a plot 6,250 m2, which all interactions were recorded, calculated following network descriptors: number interactions, size, specialization, diversity nestedness. used four explanatory variables investigate these three metrics (i.e., area, edge irregularity, connectivity) within fragment, represented canopy cover. did not detect any effect descriptors. The structural stability sampled with different configurations possibly related observed constancy central core highly interacting species. Our results corroborate other highlighting facultative EFNs spatial temporal gradients. Nonetheless, low generalist should be understood as warning, because functionality protective mutualism food secretions exchange for protection against herbivory) remains unknown.