Aphaenogaster

Mayr, 1853

Funnel Ants, Collared Ants

Species Guides

16

Aphaenogaster is a of myrmicine ants comprising approximately 200 described , including 18 fossil species. are with 12-segmented and four-segmented antennal clubs. The genus exhibits diverse nesting habits, with most species nesting in soil, under rocks, or in rotten wood, while some species such as A. mariae are arboreal. Australian species are known for constructing conspicuous funnel-shaped nest entrances up to 4 cm in diameter.

Aphaenogaster mariae by no rights reserved, uploaded by cgmayers. Used under a CC0 license.Aphaenogaster tennesseensis by (c) Mark Richman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Richman. Used under a CC-BY license.Aphaenogaster megommata by (c) Jason Eckberg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jason Eckberg. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphaenogaster: /æf.iː.noʊˈɡæs.tər/

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Identification

possess 12-segmented with four-segmented antennal clubs, distinguishing them from many other myrmicine . Colonies are , lacking the worker seen in some other genera. Australian funnel ants can be identified by their characteristic funnel-shaped nest entrances. Aphaenogaster mariae is distinguished by lines on the radiating outward from the postpetiole.

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Habitat

Occurs in diverse including forests, open woodlands, rainforests, and sandy areas. Most nest in soil, under rocks, or in rotten logs. Australian species construct dense, conspicuous nests with funnel-shaped entrances. Some species occupy specialized : A. mariae nests arboreally in dead branches, tree holes, or under bark of live hardwoods.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution except South America south of Colombia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Antarctica. Present in eastern and southern Australia (except Tasmania), with isolated in northern Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. Occurs in the eastern United States, including the North Carolina Piedmont. Madagascar an group. Present in Florida and other temperate regions.

Diet

Has been observed tending aphids on plant roots as a primary food source. Seeds constitute a significant food source; A. famelica and A. schurri forage for seeds in subtropical forests of Yunnan, China. prey may be captured using funnel-shaped nest entrances as passive traps.

Host Associations

  • Aphids - tended for honeydewprimary food source from roots of plants

Behavior

Constructs conspicuous funnel-shaped nest entrances in Australia, with diameters up to 4 cm. Foraging includes accelerated food-searching in the presence of competitors. Heavier food items are removed faster when positioned further from nests. Some exhibit arboreal nesting behavior divergent from the primarily ground-nesting habit of the .

Ecological Role

Important agents of soil bioturbation in Australia, modifying soil structure and landscape processes. Seed (myrmecochory) documented in multiple including A. longiceps. Serves as for anteater scarab beetles (Cremastocheilus) in the southwestern United States. Abundant and in many on Madagascar.

Human Relevance

Australian funnel nests create hazards for golfers, pastures, and unsealed airstrips due to fragile surface collapse. Displayed in live colonies at entomology museums for educational purposes. Subject of ecological research regarding and seed mutualisms.

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