Myrmecological Collection from Italian Citizen Science Project “School of Ants”

The initiative engages thousands of non-expert volunteers of various ages, genders, and backgrounds, with the objective of monitoring the distribution of urban ant species throughout Italy.Data are collected by participants following standardized protocols and using dedicated sampling kits during educational activities, bioblitzes, and scientific outreach events.

All specimens are collected using bait-based sampling methods and subsequently identified by the research team responsible for the project.The resulting dataset spans the period from 2011 to 2024 and includes records primarily from Northern Italy, with additional observations from Central and Southern regions as well as the major islands. These data contribute to the long-term monitoring of ant biodiversity in Italy and represent a valuable resource for future research in ecology and citizen science.