Nylanderia austroccidua

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nylanderia austroccidua: /naɪˈlændɪˌɛriə ɔːˌstroʊˈsɪdjuə/

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Summary

Nylanderia is a large genus of ants, primarily characterized by their small to medium size, ecological significance, and widespread distribution, with several species recognized as invasive pests.

Physical Characteristics

Small to medium-sized (generally between 1 and 4 mm), pale yellow to black in color. Workers generally monomorphic; notable features include six mandibular teeth and erect macrosetae on scapes and legs.

Identification Tips

Nylanderia workers can be distinguished from other formicines by the presence of six mandibular teeth, erect macrosetae on scapes and legs, and paired erect macrosetae on the pronotum and mesonotum.

Habitat

Inhabits a wide array of habitats including deserts, rainforests, and forested areas, predominantly in warmer environments.

Distribution

Nearly cosmopolitan distribution, found in all geographic regions except high-latitude areas, but notably absent from Europe.

Diet

Generalist diet, often foraging for diverse resources

Life Cycle

Most species produce reproductives during the summer which overwinter in the nest and emerge in spring. Some species exhibit polygyny.

Reproduction

Typically, most Nylanderia species produce reproductive ants in the summer; cases of both monogyny and polygyny have been noted in different species.

Ecosystem Role

Ecologically important as some species are among the most abundant ants in many habitats, particularly in leaf-litter samples.

Economic Impact

Several species are considered invasive, including N. bourbonica and N. vaga, potentially impacting local ecosystems.

Evolution

Originally described as a subgenus of Prenolepis, Nylanderia was raised to genus status in 1936 and has undergone several taxonomic revisions culminating in its current recognition as a valid genus.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other ant genera due to morphological similarities and historical taxonomic placements.

Tags

  • ants
  • biology
  • entomology
  • ecology
  • invasive species