Rhytidoponera

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Rhytidoponera
Temporal range: 23.03–0 Ma Early Miocene – Recent
Rhytidoponera metallica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Ectatomminae
Tribe: Ectatommini
Genus: Rhytidoponera
Mayr, 1862
Type species
Ponera araneoides, now Rhytidoponera araneoides
Diversity
104 species
3 fossil species
(Species Checklist, Species by Country)

Rhytidoponera metallica Wside CAS0172345-web.jpg

Rhytidoponera metallica

Rhytidoponera metallica casent0172345 dorsal 1.jpg

Specimen Label

Synonyms

Most species lack winged queens and instead have mated workers that produce female brood (i.e. gamergates). In Rhytidoponera confusa, dealate queens found new colonies and are replaced by gamergates when they die. Only in Rhytidoponera purpurea are gamergates unknown.

At a Glance • Gamergate  

These are some of the most common ants in Australia. They are found across the continent and can be very abundant, especially in urban areas such as yards, gardens and parks. Some species, especially those found in forested areas, generally forage during the day while many of the arid zone species forage primarily in the evening and at night. In forested areas they will forage on low vegetation and trees as well as on the ground. They are general predators or scavengers, with some also taking honeydew and others showing a strong preference for seeds. Workers generally forage singly or less often in small groups. Some of the smaller species have a potent sting while others, including the larger species, have a weak sting or are unable to sting.

Nests are generally in soil either in the open or under rocks or other objects on the ground. When in the open, nests range from low and messy mounds to large mounds decorated with stones and small twigs or leaves. Species found in wet sclerophyll and rainforest often nest in rotten wood. Some rainforest species will occasionally nest arboreally (although they nest on the ground as well).

Identification

The forward sections of the frontal lobes and the antennal sockets are separated by the broadly rounded or triangular rearward extension of the clypeus. The leading edge of the pronotum on each side just above the front legs with a small angular tooth or spine. The node of the petiole has distinct front, top and rear faces. The tips of the tibiae of the hind legs each have either a single small, simple or comb-like (pectinate) spur, or two spurs, one large and comb-like (pectinate) and one small and simple (best viewed from the front). The claws on the hind legs have a tooth at about the middle of their inner surface.

Rhytidoponera is most similar to Heteroponera in overall body shape and size. However, the claws in Rhytidoponera have a small tooth along their inner margins while in Heteroponera the claws are simple.

Keys including this Genus

 

Keys to Species in this Genus

Distribution

Distribution and Richness based on AntMaps

Species by Region

Number of species within biogeographic regions, along with the total number of species for each region.

Afrotropical Region Australasian Region Indo-Australian Region Malagasy Region Nearctic Region Neotropical Region Oriental Region Palaearctic Region
Species 0 96 15 0 0 0 0 0
Total Species 2840 1735 3042 932 835 4378 1740 2862

Fossils

Fossils are known from: Chon-Tyz mine, Naryn Province, Kyrgyzstan (Middle Miocene), Foulden Maar diatomite, New Zealand (Aquitanian, Early Miocene).

Biology

In Rhytidoponera sp. 12, twenty-one mated workers were found in a large colony (at least 600 workers). There were few large yolky oocytes, and the dense accumulations of yellow bodies indicated that eggs were laid regularly by these gamergates. In contrast, a substantial proportion of workers confined underground had many large yolky oocytes in their ovaries. Examination of various details of oogenesis (size and appearance of basal oocytes,...) revealed that oocytes do not mature in unmated workers (Peeters 1987). Thus virgin workers store food by accumulating non-viable large oocytes in their ovaries.

Association with Other Organisms

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Species Uncertain

  • An unknown species is a host for the eucharitid wasp Tricoryna ectatommae (a parasite) (Universal Chalcidoidea Database) (primary host).
  • An unknown species is a host for the eucharitid wasp Tricoryna ectatommae (a parasitoid) (Quevillon, 2018) (multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest).
  • An unknown species is a host for the eucharitid wasp Tricoryna iello (a parasitoid) (Quevillon, 2018) (multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest).
  • An unknown species is a host for the eucharitid wasp Tricoryna iello (a parasite) (Universal Chalcidoidea Database) (primary host).

All Associate Records for Genus

Click here to show/hide associate data.
Taxon Relationship Associate Type Associate Taxon Associate Relationship Locality Source Notes
Rhytidoponera host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna ectatommae parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna ectatommae parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Rhytidoponera host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna iello parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna iello parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Rhytidoponera chalybaea host eucharitid wasp Chalcura sp. nr. polita parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Rhytidoponera metallica host cricket Myrmecophilus keyi myrmecophile Australia
Rhytidoponera metallica host eucharitid wasp Chalcura nigricyanea parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera metallica host eucharitid wasp Chalcura polita parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Rhytidoponera metallica host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna chalcoponerae parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera metallica host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna minor parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera victoriae host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna chalcoponerae parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Rhytidoponera victoriae host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna minor parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera violacea host eucharitid wasp Stilbula cyniformis parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera violacea host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna alcicornis parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest
Rhytidoponera violacea host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna sp. parasite Universal Chalcidoidea Database primary host
Rhytidoponera violacea host eucharitid wasp Tricoryna sp. nr. alcicornis parasitoid Quevillon, 2018 multiple encounter modes; direct transmission; transmission outside nest

Life History Traits

  • Queen type: winged or dealate; gamergate (Peeters, 1997) (dealate queens and gamergates can occur within a single species)
  • Mean colony size: 50-271 (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Compound colony type: not parasitic (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Nest site: hypogaeic (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Diet class: omnivore (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Foraging stratum: subterranean/leaf litter; arboreal (Greer et al., 2021)
  • Foraging behaviour: solitary (Greer et al., 2021)

Castes

Most species lack winged queens but have mated egg-laying workers called gamergates, and colonies reproduce exclusively by fission (Haskins and Whelden 1965). Yet winged queens still occur in the basal R. impressa group (unpublished phylogeny by H. Reichel), thus allowing the option of independent colony foundation (ICF). In R. impressa group, both modeling and empirical approaches showed that the proportion of queenright colonies in the coastal populations in the East decreases from north (tropical) to south (temperate), indicating that environmental changes make colony fission more successful than nonclaustral ICF by winged queens (Molet et al. 2008). This is confirmed empirically by the decrease in size of queenright colonies but not gamergate colonies. Empirical data also showed that gynes are produced in smaller quantity, but they are heavier relative to workers in both lean weight and fat weight.

Head of worker Side of worker Top of worker

Worker of R. metallica from Queensland.

Head of worker Side of worker

Worker of R. nodifera from Queensland.

Head of worker Side of worker Top of worker

Worker of R. punctigera from Western Australia.

Diploid males are known to occur in Rhytidoponera chalybaea or Rhytidoponera confusa (Cournault & Aron, 2009).

Morphology

Worker Morphology

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• Antennal segment count: 12 • Antennal club: absent, gradual • Palp formula: 3,2; 2,2 • Total dental count: 12-30 • Spur formula: 1 simple-pectinate, 1 simple-pectinate; 0, 1 barbulate-pectinate;0, 0 • Eyes: >100 ommatidia • Pronotal Spines: absent • Mesonotal Spines: absent • Propodeal Spines: absent • Petiolar Spines: absent • Caste: none or weak • Sting: present • Metaplural Gland: present • Cocoon: present

Male Morphology

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 • Antennal segment count 13 • Antennal club 0 • Palp formula 6,4;5,3; 4,3 • Total dental count 9-18 • Spur formula 2 (1 simple, 1 simple-pectinate);2 (1 simple, 1 pectinate);2 simple, 2 (1 simple, 1 pectinate); 1 barbulate-pectinate • Caste • Body size • Notes:

Karyotype

Species Uncertain

  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-9): 2n = 48 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-10): 2n = 46 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-10): 2n = 49 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-11): 2n = 50 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-12): 2n = 50 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-13): 2n = 52 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-14): 2n = 23 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-15): 2n = 50 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).
  • Rhytidoponera sp.(ANIC-16): 2n = 52 (Australia) (Crozier et al., 1986).

All Karyotype Records for Genus

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Click here to show/hide karyotype data.
Taxon Haploid Diploid Karyotype Locality Source Notes
Rhytidoponera 23 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera 46 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera 48 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera 49 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera 50 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera 52 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera aciculata 26 52 18M + 34A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015
Rhytidoponera chalybaea 21 42 6M + 36A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015
Rhytidoponera impressa 21 42 6M + 36A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015
Rhytidoponera lamellinodis 52 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera maniae 39 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera maniae 44 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera maniae 45 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera maniae 46 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera maniae 47 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera maniae 48 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera mayri 25 50 20M + 30A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015
Rhytidoponera metallica 23 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 24 Australia Crozier, 1969; Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 34 Australia Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 35 Australia Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 36 Australia Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 37 Australia Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 37 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 38 Australia Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 41 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 41 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 42 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 43 Australia Crozier, 1969; Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 43 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 44 Australia Imai et al., 1977 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 46 Australia Crozier et al., 1986 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 11 22 12M + 10A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 12 24 16M + 8A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 17 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 18 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 18 36 6M + 30A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 19 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 20 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 21 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 21 42 Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 22 Australia Crozier, 1969 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera metallica 23 46 4M + 42A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015 Robertsonian polymorphism
Rhytidoponera punctata 50 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera purpurea 19 38 14M+ 24A Australia Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015
Rhytidoponera tasmaniensis 30 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera tasmaniensis 46 Australia Crozier et al., 1986
Rhytidoponera victoriae 21 42 Australia Crozier, 1969; Crozier, 1970b; Crozier et al., 1986; Imai et al., 1977; Mariano et al., 2015

Phylogeny

Ectatomminae
Heteroponerini

Bazboltonia  (1 species, 0 fossil species)

Acanthoponera  (4 species, 0 fossil species)

Heteroponera  (27 species, 0 fossil species)

Ectatommini

Ectatomma  (15 species, 1 fossil species)

Rhytidoponera  (104 species, 3 fossil species)

Stictoponera  (43 species, 0 fossil species)

Gnamptogenys  (32 species, 5 fossil species)

Typhlomyrmex  (11 species, 0 fossil species)

Poneracantha  (18 species, 1 fossil species)

Alfaria  (9 species, 0 fossil species)

Holcoponera  (40 species, 0 fossil species)

See Phylogeny of Ectatomminae for details.

Nomenclature

The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's Online Catalogue of the Ants of the World.

  • RHYTIDOPONERA [Ectatomminae: Ectatommini]
    • Rhytidoponera Mayr, 1862: 731 [as subgenus of Ectatomma]. Type-species: Ponera araneoides, by subsequent designation of Emery, 1911d: 37.
    • [Type-species not Ponera metallica, incorrect subsequent designation by Wheeler, W.M. 1911f: 172; see Wheeler, W.M. 1913a: 79.]
    • Rhytidoponera junior synonym of Ectatomma: Roger, 1863b: 17.
    • Rhytidoponera revived from synonymy as subgenus of Ectatomma: Mayr, 1863: 453; Dalla Torre, 1893: 23.
    • Rhytidoponera raised to genus: Emery, 1897d: 547; Emery, 1911d: 36.
    • Rhytidoponera senior synonym of Chalcoponera: Brown, 1953c: 2; Brown, 1958g: 198.
  • CHALCOPONERA [junior synonym of Rhytidoponera]
    • Chalcoponera Emery, 1897d: 548. Type-species: Ponera metallica, by subsequent designation of Emery, 1911d: 39.
    • Chalcoponera junior synonym of Rhytidoponera: Brown, 1953c: 2.

References