Rhopalothrix

These rare ants have been collected only a handful of times. Most have been found in leaf litter while a nest was found in roots and leaf litter on the buttress of the rainforest tree Lophostemon conferta about 15cm above the ground.



Worker of R. orbis from Queensland.

Identification
The antennae are 7 segmented (including the scape) and when laid back against the head in their normal resting position, are held in distinct, elongate depressions (antennal scrobes) which pass below the eyes. The mandibles are thin and elongate and when fully closed they are separated by a broad gap for most of their length and touch only at the tips.

These ants are most similar to Eurhopalothrix, but differ in having thin and elongate rather than triangular mandibles.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution



Regional Species Lists

 * Single Australian species, Rhopalothrix orbis.