Anochetus
Queen Anochetus a - kind
Anochetus is an ant genus from the subfamily of Urameisen ( Ponerinae ).
- 4.1 Synonyms
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
These ants have like all Urameisen a poisonous sting, which they use also active. The highly modified mandibles, however, provide at least as Anochetus a powerful weapon dar. Similar to the snap jaw ants ( Odontomachus ) the mandibles are equipped with a powerful snap-action mechanism. They are greatly elongated, scarcely curved and equipped with only two or three inwardly directed teeth on the top. Sometimes even several, much smaller denticles on Kaurand available. The Petiolarstigma is rounded at the top and can carry two spines, but is not formed into a single peak. The forehead is smooth and solid color with no noticeable markings. Some species have a vague recognizable front gutter.
Similar genera
Anochetus have a great morphological similarity to the closely related Odontomachus. However, they are slightly larger and the typical Urameisen Gastereinschnürung missing them. The Petiolarstigma is also formed at Odontomachus to a single peak.
Dissemination
Worldwide 99 species are known. These ants are widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. They steer clear of arid areas and settle depending on the type in savannah forests or rain forests. In Europe, there is only a single species, Anochetus ghilianii. These islands lives only in the extreme south of the Iberian Peninsula at the Strait of Gibraltar and even further south.
Way of life
The colonies are quite individuenarm and consist of no more than 100 workers. Most underground soil nests are created, but also in the protection of wood lying or in termite nests settlements are to be found. Anochetus feed zoophag. When hunting the animals move predominantly in the litter layer and prey using their mandibles and sting various arthropods.
System
Among others, the following species belong to the genus Anochetus:
- Anochetus armstrongi
- Anochetus bequaerti
- Anochetus emarginatus
- Anochetus ghilianii
- Anochetus graeffei
- Anochetus madagascarensis
- Anochetus Mayri
- Anochetus neglectus
- Anochetus paripungens
- Anochetus rectangularis
- Anochetus turneri
Synonyms
The following names are synonyms for the genus Anochetus:
- Myrmapatetes Wheeler, 1929
- Sternomyrmex Mayr, 1862