Leptogenys khammouanensis

Distribution
This taxon was described from Laos.

Biology
Lattke (2011) - L. khammouanensis Roncin & Deharveng, 2003 may be a troglobitic species on account of the cave habitat, and several morphological traits associated with adaptation to an underground life such as elongate body and extremities, pale colored exoskeleton, and atrophied eyes. While such a possibility can not be ruled out, the suspect morphology is also found in several epigaeic foraging species of the genus. Hopefully future research into this Laotian Leptogenys will include intensive collecting in above ground habitats near the caves to rule out that cave populations are recent colonizations from epigaeic colonies that are simply exploiting an abundant food source.

Nomenclature

 *  khammouanensis. Leptogenys khammouanensis Roncin & Deharveng, 2003: 920, fig. 1 (w.) LAOS.

Additional References

 * Lattke, J.E. 2011. Revision of the New World species of the genus Leptogenys Roger (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae). Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 69:127-264.


 * [[Media:Roncin & Deharveng 2003.pdf|Roncin, E.; Deharveng, L. 2003. Leptogenys khammouanensis sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). A possible troglobitic species of Laos, with a discussion on cave ants. Zoological Science (Tokyo) 20(7): 919-924 PDF]]