Leptogenys
Schematic representation of Leptogenys worker, winged males, females ungeflügeltes ( Wheeler, 1900)
Leptogenys is a genus of ants ( Formicidae ) of the subfamily of Urameisen ( Ponerinae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The body size of the long and thin ants varies greatly. The smaller species have a length of about four millimeters, whereas the largest species, the total length of the body is up to 15 millimeters. The mandibles have either a basic triangular shape or are thin, crescent-shaped curved. You have no marked dentition, but only a single tooth on the Mandibelspitze on the occlusal surface. The head shield ( clypeus ) is bulged forward and extends up close to the mandibles. The head looks elongated. The tibiae of the posterior pair of legs each carry a comb-like spur and another, much smaller mandrel. Leptogenys have an effective poison sting. In almost all species, if not in all species, reproduction can be adopted by ergatomorphen queens.
Dissemination
These ants are common in tropical areas worldwide. There they settle depending on the type either rainforests or arid zones. There are 217 known species.
Way of life
The nests are applied to both above ground in loose inventory waste, as well as below ground. The above-ground nests often serve only as temporary dwellings, whereas only soil nests also be used over long periods of time. The workers hunt solitary or in groups, both during the day as well as at night. Together, they can also transport larger prey to the nest. The zoophagous diet consists mainly of insects, arachnids and other arthropods. Some species have specialized on termites, others on isopods.
System
Among other things, the following species belong to the genus Leptogenys:
- Leptogenys adlerzi
- Leptogenys attenuata
- Leptogenys bidentata
- Leptogenys diminuta
- Leptogenys hackeri
- Leptogenys tricosa
Synonyms
The following names are synonyms for the genus Leptogenys:
- Dorylozelus Forel, 1915
- Lobopelta Mayr, 1862
- Microbolbos Donisthorpe, 1948
- Odontopelta Emery, 1911
- Prionogenys Emery, 1895