Ponera
Ponera sp.
Ponera is an ant genus from the subfamily of Urameisen ( Ponerinae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Specimens of this genus are rather small. The basic shape of the mandible is triangular, the insides are filled with several small teeth. The Stielchenglied ( petiole ) is towering high, so that the gaster and the Petiolarstigma are high about the same. The legs of the rear pair of legs each carry a single comb-like spur on the tibia.
Representatives of Ponera have a great resemblance to ants of the genera Cryptopone, Hypoponera and Pachycondyla. A unique distinguishing feature, however, is found on the underside of the petiole. So Ponera shows on the back of a sharp Auseckung, or two small spines on the front and a small translucent spot ( Fenestra ).
Only since 1995 is known that in Ponera and the very similar genus Hypoponera real Trophallaxis takes place, therefore, the adult animals communicate to each crop of food. Although this behavior is widespread in most ant groups, however, not well documented in the Urameisen.
Dissemination
Worldwide, about 50 species are known. Most of them come from South East Asia to Australia. In Europe and North America some species are represented. In Central Europe, only two species occur, namely the Narrow Urameise ( Ponera coarctata ) and a very similar way, the Brown Urameise ( Ponera testacea ).
Way of life
Usually colonies are very individuenarm and consist of no more than 100 workers. The nests are usually built underground in the open field, even rock crevices or rotten wood can be used. Some species become established under tree bark.
The workers hunt individually and move almost exclusively in the ground, in the cavities of dead wood or in the litter layer. They feed exclusively zoophag. Looted be different living underground insects and other arthropods, or their developmental stages (eggs, larvae and pupae ).
System
The following species are present in Europe:
- Ponera coarctata
- Ponera sysphinctoides
- Ponera testacea
In Australia and Papua New Guinea, there are the following types:
- Ponera clavicornis
- Ponera leae
- Ponera selenophora
- Ponera tenuis
Synonyms
Synonyms for the species Ponera:
- Pseudocryptopone Wheeler, 1933
- Pteroponera Bernard, 1949
- Selenopone Wheeler, 1933