Colobopsis-cylindrica-group
Guides
Colobopsis etiolata
Pale Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis etiolata is a species of ant in the genus Colobopsis, originally described by Wheeler in 1904. It belongs to a genus characterized by specialized defensive castes, including 'doorkeeper' majors with enlarged, plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. The species is part of the Colobopsis cylindrica group, which includes the well-known 'exploding ants' that exhibit autothysis (self-sacrificial body rupture) as a defensive mechanism. As a member of this group, C. etiolata likely shares the arboreal, canopy-dwelling habits typical of these Southeast Asian forest ants.
Colobopsis riehlii
Mangrove Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis riehlii is an ant species in the genus Colobopsis, first described by Roger in 1863. The species belongs to the Colobopsis cylindrica group, a lineage known for specialized defensive behaviors including autothysis (self-sacrifice) in some members. It is commonly referred to as the Mangrove Gate-keeper Ant, suggesting an association with mangrove habitats. Like other Colobopsis species, it likely exhibits caste polymorphism with specialized major workers functioning as nest entrance blockers.