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.
Tags
- ants
- Pseudomyrmecinae
- arboreal ants
- tropical ant subfamily
- plant-occupying ants