Madagascar-endemism
Guides
Anelosimus
cobweb spiders
Anelosimus is a genus of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) renowned as a model system for studying the evolution of sociality in arachnids. The genus contains approximately 75 species exhibiting the full spectrum of social organization, from solitary to highly social (quasisocial). Eight quasisocial species have been documented, more than any other spider genus. Social species such as Anelosimus eximius form massive communal webs housing tens of thousands of individuals, while solitary species occur at higher altitudes and latitudes. The genus is cosmopolitan, with significant diversity in the Americas, Madagascar, and Australasia.
Aphaenogaster
Funnel Ants, Collared Ants
Aphaenogaster is a genus of myrmicine ants comprising approximately 200 described species, including 18 fossil species. Workers are monomorphic with 12-segmented antennae and four-segmented antennal clubs. The genus exhibits diverse nesting habits, with most species nesting in soil, under rocks, or in rotten wood, while some species such as A. mariae are arboreal. Australian species are known for constructing conspicuous funnel-shaped nest entrances up to 4 cm in diameter.
Carebara
Marauder Ants, Carebara Thief Ants
Carebara is a large genus of myrmicine ants comprising over 200 species distributed worldwide in tropical and Afrotropical regions. These ants are among the smallest known, with workers often barely visible to the naked eye. The genus exhibits remarkable worker polymorphism, including specialized soldier castes with phragmotic (door-blocking) head shapes in some African species. Queens are notably much larger than workers, creating one of the most extreme size dimorphisms in ants. Many species are cryptic inhabitants of soil and leaf litter, with poorly known biology.
Chimarra
Little Black Caddisflies
Chimarra is a large genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) containing more than 630 described species. Adults are commonly known as "little black caddisflies" due to their characteristic dark coloration. The genus has undergone extensive radiation, with species distributed across multiple continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Molecular studies have investigated the evolutionary history and biogeographic patterns of diversification within this genus.