Elongated Ants

Pseudomyrmecinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Pseudomyrmecinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudomyrmecinae: /ˌsjuːdoʊˌmɜːrməˈsaɪniː/

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Summary

Pseudomyrmecinae is a small subfamily of ants containing three genera of slender, large-eyed arboreal ants, predominantly tropical or subtropical in distribution, with 230 described species, including one of the most diverse plant-occupying ant groups worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Workers can be recognized by large eyes (EL/HL usually > 0.25), short mandibles, flexible promesonotal connection, and presence of a postpetiole. Antennal sockets partly exposed in full-face view; scape relatively short (SL/HL < 0.75); narrow clypeus; metapleural gland orifice at extreme posteroventral margin of metapleuron; hind tibia usually with two apical spurs (posterior spur is pectinate); and well-developed sting.

Identification Tips

Look for large eyes and short mandibles alongside the unique body structure adapted for arboreal life.

Habitat

Primarily arboreal habitats, often associated with specific tree species.

Distribution

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Ecosystem Role

Pseudomyrmecinae are significant in their ecosystems due to their role in plant-occupying behavior, particularly residing in plant domatia.