Leptothorax

Mayr, 1855

Thin Ants

Small in the with primarily Holarctic distributions. The is distinguished by widespread social , with many dependent on during part or all of their . Some species exhibit complex social behaviors including and usurpation.

Leptothorax by (c) Михаил Языков, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Михаил Языков. Used under a CC-BY license.

Leptothorax acervorum by no rights reserved, uploaded by Philipp Hoenle. Used under a CC0 license.

Leptothorax by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptothorax: /ˌlɛptoʊˈθoʊræks/

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Identification

Small-bodied ; separation from related Cardiocondyla, Stereomyrmex, and Romblonella requires examination of specific morphological characters not detailed in available sources.

Images

Distribution

Primarily Holarctic; confirmed records include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Vermont (USA), and Colombia.

Host Associations

Other ant species - Dependent on from other during part or all of ; includes both interspecific and intraspecific via usurpation
Cestodes - intermediate North Leptothorax serve as intermediate for tapeworms

Behavior

of at least one (L. allardycei) establish linear with routine displays of dominance, avoidance, and fighting; high-ranking individuals receive preferential liquid food exchange and have greater ovarian development. usurpation occurs in L. nylanderi: usurper queens initially behave passively and inconspicuously, then attack resident queens, workers, and ; worker aggression toward usurpers is temporary, and queen-queen combat restores .

Human Relevance

Intermediate for ; cold hardiness physiology studied in context of potential economic importance for .

Similar Taxa

CardiocondylaClosely related within ; morphological separation requires detailed examination
StereomyrmexClosely related within
RomblonellaClosely related within