Pseudomyrmecinae

Smith, 1952

big-eyed tree ants, big-eyed ants

Genus Guides

Pseudomyrmex(Twig Ants)

Pseudomyrmecinae is a of slender, hyperoptic arboreal ants comprising three : Pseudomyrmex (~200 , Neotropical), Tetraponera (~100 species, Palaeotropical), and Myrcidris (two species, South America). The subfamily originated in the Palaeotropics during the Cretaceous and later dispersed to South America, where it underwent significant diversification. At least twelve independent origins of obligate mutualisms with domatia-bearing plants have occurred within this group, making it the most diverse plant-occupying lineage worldwide.

Pseudomyrmex elongatus by (c) Raven Dandridge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raven Dandridge. Used under a CC-BY license.

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

Pseudomyrmex gracilis by (c) Carlos Muñoz-Amezcua, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Carlos Muñoz-Amezcua. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudomyrmecinae: /ˌsjuːdoʊˌmɜːrməˈsaɪniː/

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

Identification

Members are distinguished by exceptionally large (hyperoptic), slender elongated bodies, and arboreal habits. The three are separated by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences: Pseudomyrmex and Myrcidris occur in the Neotropics (with Myrcidris being much less diverse), while Tetraponera is restricted to the Palaeotropics.

Images

Habitat

Strictly arboreal; colonies occupy hollow twigs, stems, or thorns of living plants. Many inhabit preformed plant cavities (domatia) provided by myrmecophyte plants.

Distribution

Pantropical and subtropical. Pseudomyrmex and Myrcidris occur in the Neotropics; Tetraponera occurs in the Palaeotropics (Africa, Asia, Australia). The originated in the Palaeotropics and dispersed to South America.

Host Associations

Barteria fistulosa - obligate mutualist; provides domatia for Tetraponera aethiops
Barteria dewevrei - obligate mutualist; provides domatia for Tetraponera latifrons
Myrcia madida - obligate mutualist; provides hollow branch domatia for Myrcidris epicharis
Myrcia magna - obligate mutualist; provides swollen shoot domatia for Myrcidris epicharis
Acacia species - mutualist; swollen thorn domatia and food bodies for Pseudomyrmex
Triplaris species - mutualist; plant for specific Pseudomyrmex clade
Tachigali species - mutualist; plant for specific Pseudomyrmex clade
Coccidae (scale insects) - tended for honeydew inside domatia

Behavior

Defends plants aggressively through stinging attacks on herbivorous insects and mammals. Some exhibit pruning to remove competing vegetation, driven primarily by intercolony competition rather than improving host plant light conditions. Colony foundation involves multiple queens colonizing seedlings, with subsequent reduction to single- colonies.

Ecological Role

Provides biotic defense for myrmecophyte plants through rapid paralysis of defoliating insects and intense pain induction in browsing mammals. Protection extends to removal of competing vines and vegetation. Obligate mutualisms contribute to host plant in tropical forest .

Human Relevance

Some possess medically significant stings. Tetraponera rufonigra has been managed as an pest using citronella oil or kerosene. Venom (pseudomyrmecitoxins) have been studied for their dimeric structures and defensive functions.

Similar Taxa

MyrmeciinaeSister group relationship supported by molecular and morphological data; both share large , potent stings, and dimeric venom scaffolds, but Myrmeciinae is predominantly ground-dwelling and Australian in distribution