Aenictus hoelldobleri

The species is so far known to inhabit secondary mixed evergreen broadleaved forests at mid elevations (ca. 300-620 m) where it occurs from young to old successional stages (referred to as “Aenictus (ceylonicus group) sp. CN02” in Staab et al. 2014, where more detailed biological information on the habitat can be found). Workers of a foraging column from one colony (MS1647) were observed during daytime (approximately 3pm) to carry pupae of Technomyrmex sp. and ant larvae on the ground. Thus, it is most likely that A. hoelldobleri has a similar life history as other A. ceylonicus group species by living and foraging on the ground and by being a specialized predator of other small ants.

Identification
A member of the ceylonicus group.

Key to Aenictus species groups

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: China.

Nomenclature

 *  hoelldobleri. Aenictus hoelldobleri Stabb, 2015: 142, figs 3D, 4C, 5A-D (w.) CHINA.