Discothyrea

These ants are seldom seen because of their small size, subterranean habits, and cryptic coloration. They form small nests with fewer than 50 workers in open soil or in soil under rocks, or in rotten wood. They are sometimes associated with other ants, being found in or near their nests. Foraging occurs in leaf litter where they are thought to be specialist predators on arthropod eggs. To avoid detection, workers lie motionless when disturbed.



Worker of D. crassicornis from Western Australia.

Identification
The upper plate (tergite) of the second segment of the gaster is strongly arched so that it forms the rear-most part of the gaster when viewed from the side, and the remaining segments are pushed forward so that the sting is pointing towards the front. The mandibles have only a single tooth at the tip. The clypeus extends forward so that it overhangs the rear part of the mandibles when they are closed. The antenna has 10 or fewer segments (including the scape) and the last (apical) segment is greatly enlarged and about as long as the remaining segments combined (excluding the scape).

The distinctive shape of the gaster will separate these ants from all other except Proceratium. They can be distinguished from Proceratium by the configuration of the antennae, mandibles and leading edge of the clypeus.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia