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To design the experiment and understand the organisms' underlying behaviors which might affect it, extensive background research was required---specifically on their spatial distribution patterns.
First, a previous study analyzing the spatial patterning and structure of termite mounds in an African savanna was examined to better understand the procedure of the experiment.
This study examined how different termite colonies in the African savanna positioned themselves in relation to one another, and uncovered that termite mounds each neighbor sic other termite mounds at a relatively constant distance, creating uniform hexagons of termite mounds through the savannah.
Furthermore, this study uncovered that termite mounds must maintain a constant distance from each other to prevent conflict between termite colonies, which would limit the overall success of the species.
These results helped guide and shape this study that was conducted by providing insight to the possible intraspecies competition that could result from close antlion contact, leading to the prediction that antlions would have to space themselves in order to prevent competition for food.
Lastly, this study determined that a change in available space could affect the spatial patterns of termites as well as their behavior, which was later used in designing the conducted experiment.
Next, several studies regarding the anatomy and behavior of antlions were used in order to better understand the insects.
These studies determined that antlions stay in their larva form, in which they make pits, for 6-8 weeks and develop slower when exposed to less food.
This helped determine the timeline of the experiment and determine the intervals at which the antlions would be fed, as in order to keep results consistent the antlions would have to be the same throughout the course of the experiment, which would require the participating antlions to be fed less in order to stay in their larva stage to make pits.
Furthermore, these studies examined terms such as pit depth and width as well as the feeding patterns and behaviors of antlions, which became crucial areas of study throughout the experiment, as these studies determined that pit depth and width can signify the dominance and success of antlion settlement.
This helped determine the dependent variable---size/density constraints---to examine over the course of the study.
Finally, these studies determined that antlions have a tendency to cannibalize each other in times of food shortage and significant competition.
This provided another dependent variable to track over time and examine as size decreased, as cannibalized antlions were unsuccessfully metabolized and evident in pits.
Lastly, a series of studies about antlion dispersal pattern called the ``Doughnut theory'' were examined to better understand the current scientific knowledge surrounding antlion dispersal patterns.
These papers determined that antlions naturally position themselves in a ``doughnut'', in which a ring of antlions circle a center point or food source to limit competition for ants, as each antlion has equal access to the food source.
This study also concluded that when antlions are introduced one by one the same results occur, which confirmed that the procedure could introduce one antlion at a time without interfering with results and spatial patterns, helping further perfect and standardize the procedure, as well as provide a better understanding of antlions behavior patterns.
These studies provided a better understanding of antlion settlement patterns and gave a guideline for what to expect as trials continued.
Finally these studies provided scientific procedures that could be tested and confirmed throughout the experiment, allowing for a source to cross-check results and procedures with in order to perfect the procedure of the experiment.
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