Stenamma schmittii
Wheeler, 1903
Stenamma schmittii is a of in the Stenamma, described by Wheeler in 1903. The genus Stenamma comprises cryptic "leaf-litter" ants found in moderately humid to wet forest across the Holarctic region, Central America, and northwestern South America. Species in this genus are adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, often becoming the most common ant genus in cloud forest leaf-litter . Stenamma species exhibit diverse strategies and nesting , including the use of clay "door-pebbles" for nest protection in some species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenamma schmittii: //stəˈnæmə ˈʃmɪti.aɪ//
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Habitat
Moderately humid to wet forest , particularly cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations (800+ m). The nests in a variety of microhabitats including leaf litter, large logs, rotting branches, bark, steep clay or mud banks, epiphytes, rocks, and ground substrates. Some Stenamma species nest and forage in the forest .
Distribution
Holarctic region, Central America, and northwestern South America (Colombia and Ecuador). The Middle American clade of Stenamma includes 40 , of which Stenamma schmittii is one.
Behavior
More Details
Taxonomic Context
Stenamma schmittii was described by Wheeler in 1903. The Middle American clade of Stenamma was revised in 2013 by Branstetter, recognizing 40 total, with 33 newly described. Prior to this revision, only six species were known from the region.
Research Significance
Stenamma are of interest for understanding evolutionary success, as they represent a group that originated in temperate zones and dispersed into tropical montane forests, where they often achieve dominance—contrary to the typical pattern of ant diversity peaking in lowland areas.