Harpegnathos saltator

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Oriental Region: India.

Biology
The nests of H. saltator are exceptionally complex by ponerine standards ([[Media:Peeters saltator nest Ins Soc1994.pdf|Peeters et al. 1994]]). In a mature colony the nest consists of a series of stacked chambers forming a nearly spherical structure, surmounted by a thick vaulted roof and separated from the surrounding soil by a hollow space. A tunnel leads down to a separate refuse chamber. Peeters & Hölldobler (1995) hypothesized that this nest design is an adaptation to survive periodic flooding. This idea is supported by the fact that H. saltator “wallpapers” the surfaces of its nests with discarded cocoons, insect parts, and plant matter. This wallpaper is glued down and probably helps keep the chambers dry.

Queens and workers are morphologically similar (except for wings) and gamergates reproduce once the founding queen has died. In these two categories of egg-layers, the proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons change in a similar way with the onset of ovarian activity, while young virgin queens resemble infertile workers (Liebig et al. 2000). Thus the hydrocarbons are not related to morphological caste but to reproductive physiology.



Nomenclature

 *  saltator. Harpegnathos saltator Jerdon, 1851: 117 (w.) INDIA. Combination in Drepanognathus: Smith, F. 1858b: 82; in Harpegnathos: Forel, 1900c: 64; Emery, 1911d: 59. Forel, 1913e: 660 (q.m.). Current subspecies: nominal plus cruentatus, taprobanae. See also: Bingham, 1903: 50.