Myrmoteras

Myrmoteras is unique among the Formicinae in having the mandibles specialized as trap-jaws. This feature has evolved independently several times in ants and is also found in Odontomachus, Anochetus and the tribe Dacetini. Species are found largely in forested areas where they forage singly on the surface of the ground and in leaf litter.

The genus is primarily Oriental, occurring from India to the Philippines, Sulawesi and Lombok but is especially rich in Borneo and Sulawesi. There are 34 species known.

Distribution
China, India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Indonesia, Philippines

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



Additional References

 * Bingham, 1903: 313 (diagnosis); Emery, 1925b: 36 (diagnosis, catalogue); Creighton, 1930a: 184 (all species key); Wheeler, W.M. 1933e: 75 (all species key); Chapman & Capco, 1951: 209 (Asia checklist); Gregg, 1954: 25 (all species key); Moffett, 1985b: 17 (diagnosis, all species revision, key); Dlussky & Fedoseeva, 1988: 77 (synoptic classification); Agosti, 1992: 405 (diagnosis, review of genus, Malesian species key); Bolton, 1994: 51 (synoptic classification); Bolton, 1995a: 1051 (census); Bolton, 1995b: 287 (catalogue); Bolton, 2003: 23, 107 (diagnosis, synopsis).