Leptogenys

The nests of Leptogenys are found in loose debris on the surface of the ground, in soil or under objects on the ground and in rotten wood. Nests on the ground surface are often used for only a short time before the colony moves to a new site while nests in soil are occupied for longer periods. Colonies contain from a few dozen to hundreds of thousands of individuals. When nests are disturbed workers disperse very rapidly in all directions, disappearing into the surrounding vegetation and leaf litter. Workers are predacious and have a powerful sting. Foraging occurs throughout the day and night, with workers foraging either singly or in well formed and distinct foraging trails. Some have well developed cooperative foraging strategies, where numerous workers work together to capture and transport large prey. A few species specialise on pillbugs (isopods) while others show a preference for termites. Some species have army-ant like foraging behaviour. Most or all species have worker-like (ergatoid) queens.



Worker of L. darlingtoni from Western Australia.

Identification
The body is long and slender and ranges from 3.7 mm to 15.0 mm in total length. The mandibles vary from long, thin and curved to broadly triangular, are inserted at the outer corners of the front margin of the head, and generally lack distinct teeth (except for a single tooth at the tip). The front margin of the clypeus is strongly angular and projects forward between the base of the mandibles. The tibiae of the hind legs each with both a large and comb-like (pectinate) and a small and simple spur at their tips (best viewed from the front). The claws on the hind legs usually have a series of small teeth on their inner surface (pectinate), but sometimes have only a single tooth.

These distinctive ants can be recognised by their elongate heads often with thin, sickle-shaped mandibles, the angular and projecting clypeus and the comb-like teeth on the tarsal claws.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia