Cryptopone
Cryptopone gilva
Cryptopone is an ant genus from the subfamily of Urameisen ( Ponerinae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
In Cryptopone the Stielchenglied ( petiole ) is towering high above and flattened so that the gaster and the Petiolarstigma are high about the same. The triangular mandibles are filled on the inside with small teeth and show on the outside near the head restraint a small dent. They are armed with 6 or 7 well developed, equal-sized teeth. The compound eyes are small and consist of more than 10 ommatidia. The tibiae of the posterior pair of legs each carry a comb-like spur, sometimes an additional smaller mandrel. The tibiae of the central pair of legs have been modified, and is covered on the outside with dense hair and bristles or covered with two spurs.
Similar genera
The representatives of Cryptopone have a great resemblance to ants of the genera Ponera, Hypoponera and Pachycondyla. The hair or the spurs of the middle pair of legs, and the dent in the mandibles and the number of teeth are clear differentiators.
Dissemination
Worldwide known little more than 20 species. Representatives can be found throughout the Holarctic, as well as in subtropical steppe regions of Africa and Australia. In Europe, there is only a single species, Cryptopone ochracea. It occurs in southern Switzerland.
Way of life
Usually colonies are very individuenarm and consist of no more than 100 workers. The nests are built underground in the protection of stones or rocks as well as in dead wood. The animals move predominantly in the underground, in the cavities of dead wood, or in the litter layer also in search of food. The hairs on the tibiae apparently serves to improve the grip in tight, vertical tunnel.
System
Among others, the following species belong to the genus Cryptopone (selection):
- Cryptopone motschulskyi
- Cryptopone ochracea
- Cryptopone rotundiceps