Impact of the invasive ant Linepithema humile on native ant assemblages on the western slopes of Table Mountain and implications for ant-butterfly associations

The Argentine Ant, Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is one of the world's most successful invasive species and invades undisturbed Fynbos habitats in South Africa, displacing native arthropod species and affecting interspecific associations. In order to assess the impact of Li. humile on native ant assemblages and associations between ants and myrmecophilous butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) on the western slopes of Table Mountain (Cape Town, South Africa), adult butterfly density was scored and distribution of food plants were assessed at two sites.