Hypoponera
Hypoponera eduardi
Hypoponera is an ant genus from the subfamily of Urameisen ( Ponerinae ).
Features
Representatives of Hypoponera show a close resemblance to ants of the genera Cryptopone, Ponera and Pachycondyla. So all of them are rather small, the basic shape of the mandible is triangular and the Stielchenglied ( petiole ) is towering. Unlike Ponera the underside of the petiole, however, is smoothly curved and shows no excesses. From the genus Pachycondyla to distinguish them is by means of the rear pair of legs. So Hypoponera carries each a single pectinate spur on the tibia. An additional, smaller spike is missing.
The males of some species are wingless and resemble rather the workers. This ergatoiden males are distinguished by large heads and powerful mandibles. They live as permanent members in the colony and have a lifetime spermatogenesis. In addition, ordinary, winged males may exist. Workers of some species have functional reproductive organs. If no queen is also present workers get screwed, which can then take over the reproductive role as a so-called gamers landscaped grounds.
For the first time it was shown in 1995 that in Hypoponera and the very similar genus Ponera real Trophallaxis takes place, therefore, the adult animals communicate to each crop of food. This phenomenon was not detected in the Urameisen until then, although the behavior of the other ant groups is widespread.
Dissemination
The genus is distributed worldwide. Of the approximately 140 known species, most are native to the tropics. Some invasive species have spread far beyond their original geographical borders. In Central Europe only Hypoponera is represented punctatissima frequently. There are also some tramp ant, which, however, can only survive in heated rooms all year long with intact soil, such as in greenhouses.
Way of life
The living permanently in the colony ergatoiden male lead killing battles for the mating of the young queens. If also ergatoide " Minor" males are present in addition to these "major " males, they will be excluded from the fighting, probably because they mimic with the help of chemical and tactile mimicry the behavior of a worker.
Ants of the genus Hypoponera live underground and feed primarily zoophag. The workers hunt in the litter layer and capture various arthropods. Some species have specialized appear on springtails ( Collembola ). The ergatoiden males do not participate in the foraging or brood care.
System
Of the genus Hypoponera following species are present in Europe:
- Hypoponera abeillei
- Hypoponera schauinslandi
- Hypoponera eduardi
- Hypoponera ergatandria
- Hypoponera nivariana
- Hypoponera opaticeps
- Hypoponera punctatissima
- Hypoponera ragusai
- Hypoponera Sulcitana