Vollenhovia

Species of Vollenhovia form small nests in wood on the ground, under bark, or, less commonly, in soil. Colonies can consist of many separate nests (polydomous) and contain either a single or many queens (polygynous). Foraging occurs on the ground as well as on vegetation. While most species have monomorphic workers and fully winged queens a few have polymorphic workers or worker-like (ergatoid) queens and at least one is a workerless social parasite known only from queens. While little is known of there biology, at least some species are known to be predators of insect larvae.



Worker of Vollenhovia from Queensland.

Identification
The node of the petiole is about the same length as the petiole so that there is only a very short narrow section (peduncle) in front of the node. The upper surface of the head is smooth or uniformly sculptured and lacks grooves for the reception of the antennae when at rest (antennal scrobes are absent). The palp formula is 2:2 (both outer and inner palps with 2 segments each). The lower surface of the petiole near the propodeum with a large rounded or angular plate. The propodeum is rounded or at most with a pair of small, triangular teeth.

The elongate node of the petiole combined with the large plate on the petiole's lower surface will allow identification of species of Vollenhovia.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution



Regional Species Lists

 * Single Australian species, Vollenhovia oblonga.