Nest distribution varies with dispersal method and familiarity-mediated aggression for two sympatric ants

► S. peetersi and P. mandibularis are ecologically similar, but differ in dispersal. ► S. peetersi nests are spatially aggregated, but P. mandibularis are overdispersed. ► Conspecific aggression in S. peetersi increases with nest distance. ► Aggression in S. peetersi is sensitive to familiarity between individuals. ► Aggression patterns and dispersal methods explain nest distributions.