Orectognathus

These ants are fairly commonly encountered. They form small to moderate sized nests in soil under objects, between rocks and slabs of granite, under moss on rocks and in rotten wood. A limited number of species nest arboreally. They are slow moving and forage primarily at night or on dull, overcast days on the ground or on vegetation. When disturbed they lie motionless to avoid detection. Their thin, elongate mandibles act as snap-traps with which they capture soft-bodied arthropods, as well as being used to defend their nests.



Worker of O. versicolor from New South Wales.

Identification
The antennae are 5 segmented (including the scape) and have the third segment from the tip elongate and much longer than the other segments of the funiculus. The mandibles are thin, elongate and with only 2 or 3 teeth at their extreme tips. The structure of the antennae and the shape of the mandibles are unique to these ants and they are unlikely to be confused with others.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia