Paratrechina

Motschoulsky, 1863

longhorn crazy ants

Paratrechina is a of in the Formicinae containing six described . The genus underwent major taxonomic revision in 2010 when it was discovered to be , resulting in the elevation of Nylanderia to generic status and reducing Paratrechina to a single species. Subsequent revisions between 2013 and 2016 restored the genus to six species through new descriptions and transfers from Prenolepis. The longhorn crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis) is the most widely distributed species, having become a pantropical pest through human-mediated transport. Most species are to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, with one species (P. umbra) native to Southeast Asia.

Paratrechina longicornis by (c) Marco Chan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marco Chan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Paratrechina longicornis by (c) Jonghyun Park, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jonghyun Park. Used under a CC-BY license.

Paratrechina longicornis by (c) hadanie7, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by hadanie7. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paratrechina: //ˌpærəˈtrɛkɪnə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Deep and complete mesonotal and metanotal separate Paratrechina from Paraparatrechina, Prenolepis, and Zatania. placement to the midline separates most from Nylanderia. Mandibular count varies among species and aids in identification: five in most species, six in P. umbra, and eight in P. kohli. The elongate, gracile body form with long appendages is characteristic of the .

Images

Habitat

Most are associated with woodland . Paratrechina zanjensis is specialized to miombo woodlands in central and eastern Africa. Paratrechina longicornis occupies a broad range of habitats including undisturbed woodlands in Southeast Asia, urban centers, greenhouses, and other human-modified environments across the tropics. The shows greatest diversity in the Afrotropics.

Distribution

range centered in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Paratrechina zanjensis occurs in miombo woodlands across Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Paratrechina umbra is native to Southeast Asia (southern China). Paratrechina longicornis has been globally to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with established across the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Human Relevance

Paratrechina longicornis is a significant global pest, ranking among the world's worst . It infests urban centers, greenhouses, and households across tropical and subtropical regions. The species exhibits remarkable adaptability to human-modified environments and has been documented causing nuisance . It was featured in the 2015 Marvel film Ant-Man, though the depicted behaviors more closely resembled the Rasberry/tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva).

Similar Taxa

NylanderiaFormerly a subgenus of Paratrechina, elevated to generic status in 2010. Distinguished by placement and six mandibular . Many previously identified as Paratrechina in older literature are now classified as Nylanderia.
ParaparatrechinaClosely related in the Prenolepis genus-group. Distinguished by the absence of deep, complete mesonotal and metanotal present in Paratrechina.
PrenolepisClosely related in the Prenolepis genus-group. Distinguished by different mesosomal structure. Males have longer, less compared to P. longicornis.
ZataniaClosely related in the Prenolepis genus-group. Distinguished by mesosomal characteristics and male .

More Details

Taxonomic History

The underwent substantial revision beginning in 2010 when molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed paraphyly with respect to Nylanderia. This resulted in Nylanderia's elevation to full generic status and temporary reduction of Paratrechina to monotypy. The 2013 description of P. zanjensis, 2014 transfer of P. kohli from Prenolepis and description of two Malagasy (P. ankarana, P. antsingy), and 2016 transfer of P. umbra from Prenolepis restored the genus to six species.

Reproductive Biology

Paratrechina longicornis exhibits , allowing to produce female offspring asexually in addition to normal . This reproductive flexibility may contribute to its success.

Microbial Associations

P. longicornis colonies harbor specific Actinobacteria distinct from surrounding soil. Twenty-seven of Actinobacteria have been documented in association with this , potentially providing protection from .

Competitive Interactions

P. longicornis is behaviorally subordinate to fire ( and S. saevissima), being rapidly displaced from resources within 45–60 minutes of fire ant arrival despite initial numerical dominance.