Peronomyrmex

Peronomyrmex is known from three species which are widely distributed along the east coast of Australia. The little biological information available suggests they are nocturnal and arboreal. These habits at least partially explain their infrequent collection. With three taxa known from only four collecting events it is clear that we are a long way from understanding these curious ants. We know nothing of their nesting habits and little about other aspects of their biology. It is unclear whether their infrequent encounter is caused by true rarity or by cryptic habits, or (more likely) a combination of these factors. (Shattuck 2006)

Identification
Shattuck (2006) - Myrmicine ant with antennae 11-segmented; in side view, petiole and postpetiole with high, conical, pointed nodes, the shape of which is unique among the ants (Bolton 1994, Shattuck 1999). For additional characters see Taylor (1970) - as given below.

Species richness
Species richness by country based on regional taxon lists (countries with darker colours are more species-rich). View Data



Nomenclature

 *  PERONOMYRMEX [Myrmicinae: Formicoxenini]
 * Peronomyrmex Viehmeyer, 1922: 212. Type-species: Peronomyrmex overbecki, by monotypy.

Taylor (1970) - Medium-sized myrmicine ants. Head a little longer than broad, slightly inflated posteriorly; occipital border strongly concave. Median area of clypeus inflated, lacking carinae, teeth or other ornamentation; lateral areas broad and raised, but not forming trenchant ridges. Frontal carinae extending back almost to corners of cranium and defining the upper edges of shallow antennal scrobes, which lie above the eyes and are not clearly delimited behind and below. Eyes large, situated just behind the midpoint of the head. Mandibles short, triangular, dental formula 2 + 3 or 4. Palpal formula 5: 3. Antennae 11-segmented, without a segmentally differentiated club, apical segment as long as the three preceding together.

Pronotal humeri tumose in dorsal view; promesonotal suture lacking on dorsum; metanotal groove distinct, without an associated incised suture; propodeal spines well developed; metapleural spines lacking; inferior pro po deal plates small, unspecialised; propodeal spiracles circular. Legs, especially femora, strongly inflated; middle and hind tibiae lacking apical spurs; pretarsal claws simple. Petiole and postpetiole inflated and extended dorsally as high turreted cones which are somewhat compressed laterally and inclined posterodorsally at their apices. Gaster broader than deep; tergites extending laterally almost to ventral surface; anterior border in dorsal view broadly emarginate at midline; sting weakly developed.