Ochetellus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ochetellus: /ɒkɛˈtɛləs/

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Summary

Ochetellus is a genus of small black ants described by Steve Shattuck in 1992. They inhabit various regions primarily in Australia and have been introduced to other areas, including New Zealand and Hawaii. These ants are omnivorous, nesting in diverse environments, and are recognized for their distinct morphological traits within the Dolichoderinae subfamily.

Physical Characteristics

Small black ants with workers measuring 1.75 to 3 millimeters (0.07 to 0.12 in), males around 1.6 millimeters (0.06 in) and queens up to 4 millimeters (0.16 in). The head is thinner than most Dolichoderinae, with twelve segments in the antennae and six to eight mandible teeth plus a large apical tooth.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from Iridomyrmex by the positioning of the compound eyes, the arrangement of the clypeal margin, and mesosoma morphology. Looks similar to Dolichoderus but smaller with a narrow dorsolaterally expanded petiole.

Habitat

Favour a variety of habitats including sclerophyll woodlands, forests, urban areas, and nests in rotten wood or under rocks. Often found in dry and mesic habitats, also eurychoric across different climates.

Distribution

Native to Australia; introduced in New Zealand, and invasive in Hawaii. Found in regions of Asia including India, Japan, Philippines, and southern Burma. Present in Fiji, Mauritius, and New Caledonia.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on arthropods, fruits, nectar, honeydew, and sugary substances. Also consumes carrion, seeds, and attends to butterfly larvae and mealybugs.

Life Cycle

Queens perform nuptial flights, mate with multiple males. Ochetellus glaber is polygynous, while most queens mate with a single male. Colonies can proliferate by 'budding', forming new colonies from existing ones.

Reproduction

Nuptial flight for mating, with queens potentially mating with multiple males, while most males mate only once; Ochetellus glaber queens are polygynous.

Predators

Predominantly preyed upon by the thorny devil lizard (Moloch horridus) and various other ant species.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as both predator and prey, contributing to the ecological dynamics of their environment.

Economic Impact

Considered pests when foraging in urban areas.

Collecting Methods

• Bait traps
• Hand collection
• Sweep nets

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol
• Pinned specimens

Evolution

First described in 1992 by Shattuck; originally placed in the tribe Dolichoderini, later in Leptomyrmecini as a synonym of the former.

Similar Taxa

• Dolichoderus
• Iridomyrmex

Misconceptions

Misidentified as more common ant species like Iridomyrmex due to their similar appearance.

Tags

• Ochetellus
• Dolichoderinae
• Ants
• Invasive species
• Ecology