Copper-Bellied Ant

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ochetellus glaber: //ˌoʊ.kəˈtɛl.əs ˈɡleɪ.bər//

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Summary

Ochetellus glaber is a small, black ant native to Australia known for its distinctive morphology and its spread to other regions. It is considered a pest due to its tendency to invade homes and potential ecological impacts.

Physical Characteristics

Small black dolichoderine ants with a sharp propodeum end, almost forming a right angle. Abdomen has a faint copper sheen under ideal lighting. Workers measure 2–3 mm, males are 1.6 mm, and queens are 5.2–5.5 mm. Colour ranges from brown to black, with variations in body texture.

Identification Tips

Workers have 12-segmented antennae, the scapes are half as long as the head. The dorsum of the mesosoma has distinct metanotal grooves, lack erect hairs, and the waist has only one segment with an upright petiole.

Habitat

Ochetellus glaber inhabits open or savannah woodland areas, nesting in dead wood, tussocks of marsh grass, hollow trees, and buildings. It is also found in gardens and sometimes urban settings.

Distribution

Native to Australia, introduced in New Zealand, Hawaii, Florida, and various regions in Asia including China, India, Japan, and the Philippines. Established in many places where it is introduced.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on honeydew, insects, carcasses, fat, grease, plants, and seeds. Also tends to mealybugs and aphids for feeding.

Life Cycle

The species exhibits both diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns and can form long trails to forage. Queens mate during nuptial flights and can mate with multiple males, while males mate with a single queen. Budding may occur, where subsets of the colony establish new nests.

Reproduction

Queens mate with either one or multiple males; males typically mate with a single queen. Colonies can proliferate through budding, where portions of the colony migrate to establish new nests.

Ecosystem Role

Ochetellus glaber plays a role in nutrient cycling through its omnivorous diet and has relationships with honeydew-producing insects.

Economic Impact

Considered a household pest; has potential ecological impacts in non-native areas, which may disrupt the biological control of other pests.

Collecting Methods

• Pitfall traps
• Hand collecting
• Sweep nets

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Initially described as Hypoclinea glabra, then placed in Iridomyrmex before being designated to the genus Ochetellus in 1992. Evidence suggests it may represent a species complex, indicating a need for future classification updates.

Similar Taxa

• Dolichoderus
• Aphaenogaster
• Iridomyrmex

Misconceptions

Ochetellus glaber is often confused with native ant species due to its small size and coloration; however, it has distinct morphological characteristics.

Tags

• ant
• Ochetellus glaber
• household pest
• invasive species
• Hymenoptera