Odontomachus
Ant of the genus Odontomachus
The snap jaw ants ( Odontomachus ) are a genus of ants ( Formicidae ) of the subfamily of Urameisen ( Ponerinae ).
- 4.1 Synonyms
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The ants are characterized by pronounced mandibles. The mandibles are straight, curved and hardly at the top have only two or three teeth. In contrast to other typical Urameisen constriction between the first and second Gaster segment missing. The Petiolarstigma is formed into an upward peak. The frontal groove is strong and often very deep.
Construction of the mandibles
The animals have a quick snap mechanism. This is because the energy required is previously stored elastic as in an arc in a strong, located in the head ends sphincter. The jaw is locked in this open position. The mandibles have only the ability to snap together when the jaws are locked by another muscle. The upper jaw of O. bauri developed by the trip mechanism, a force equal to 300 times the body weight of the ant. The movement of the snapping jaws is 64 meters per second, the fastest measured in the animal kingdom. The insect needs only 0.13 milliseconds for the snapping of the mouthparts.
Function of Zuschnappens
The snap jaw ants use their mandibles to make both prey and for defense and escape. The rapid process of Zuschnappens is used here as a jump mechanism. To protect itself against invaders such as ants lead other ants from one up to 40 cm, average 22 cm wide long jump. Against this opponent is first attacked with the mandibles. Then the insect catapulted off the intruder, and this is also thrown backwards. During the jump, it may happen that the ant makes several somersaults.
Similar genera
Odontomachus are very similar to the closely related Anochetus. However, they are smaller and have the typical Urameisen Gastereinschnürung. In addition, the Stielchenglied is at Anochetus rounded at the top, and sometimes has two spines, but is never formed into a single peak.
Dissemination
These ants are widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. There are 65 known types.
Way of life
The workers hunt einzelgängerisch both diurnal, as well as at night. Mostly they prey on small arthropods on the surface, or on trees, which they use as a weapon their mandibles. The underground nests are preferably applied in the open field, but also in the protection of stones and rocks. Sometimes also fallen dead wood is colonized.
System
Among others, the following species belong to the genus Odontomachus (selection):
- Odontomachus bauri
- Odontomachus brunneus
- Odontomachus clarus
- Odontomachus haematoda
- Odontomachus hastatus
- Odontomachus insularis
- Odontomachus ruginodis
Synonyms
The following names are synonyms for the genus Odontomachus:
- Champsomyrmex Emery, 1891
- Myrtoteras Matsumura, 1912
- Pedetes Bernstein, 1861