Colobopsis etiolata
(Wheeler, 1904)
Pale Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis etiolata is a of in the Colobopsis, originally described by Wheeler in 1904. It belongs to a genus characterized by specialized defensive , including 'doorkeeper' majors with enlarged, plug-shaped used to block nest entrances. The species is part of the Colobopsis cylindrica group, which includes the well-known 'exploding ants' that exhibit autothysis (self-sacrificial body rupture) as a defensive mechanism. As a member of this group, C. etiolata likely shares the , -dwelling habits typical of these Southeast Asian forest ants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colobopsis etiolata: /kɔlɔˈbɔpsɪs ɛtiːoˈlɑːtə/
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Similar Taxa
- Colobopsis explodensBoth belong to the Colobopsis cylindrica group of 'exploding '; C. explodens is the model for this group and was formally described in 2018, while C. etiolata remains less studied
- Colobopsis cylindricaThe nominal for the species group; historically used as a catch-all name for multiple cryptic species including C. etiolata before modern taxonomic revisions