Aphaenogaster gamagumayaa

Aphaenogaster gamagumayaa is one of only two troglobiotic (true cave-dwelling) ant species, the other being Leptogenys khammouanensis from Laos. The type series of Aphaenogaster gamagumayaa is based on workers probably from a single nest, collected in a limestone cave on the island of Okinawa, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. All specimens were found in a guano hall, an area of approximately 25 m2 (2–3m in height), approximately 20m from the cave entrance. This species has only been found in a cave area with heavy guano deposits, and some worker ants were observed carrying guano.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Japan.

Nomenclature

 *  gamagumayaa. Aphaenogaster gamagumayaa Naka & Maruyama, 2018: 136, figs. 1-4 (w.) JAPAN.