Lenomyrmex

Lenomyrmex species have been collected from elevations close to sea level to 1800m but seem to be mainly restricted to mid-elevations (1100–1500m). Queen-worker dimorphism is weak, suggesting small colony sizes and absence of claustral independent colony foundation (Delsinne and Fernandez 2012).

Identification
The genus is characterized by elongate manidbles bearing a series of minute peg-like denticles that arise behind the masticatory margin, by frontal lobes that are poorly expanded laterally, by large and deep antennal fossae, and by pedunculate petiole, with a poorly defined node.

Distribution
Mid to high elevation rain-forests in southern Central and northwestern South America.

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



Biology
Delsinne and Fernandez (2012) - Lenomyrmex ants seem always locally rare and our collection of 34 workers (evergreen lower montane forest litter samples in an area near Podocarpus National Park at 1420m, Zamora-Chinchipe province, Ecuador in the Eastern Cordillera of the South-Ecuadorian Andes) is the first time that such a concentration of specimens have been collected within a relatively small area (400m2). A thorough inspection of the dead wood laying on the ground and of soil samples failed to uncover any nest of L. inusitatus. This and the fact that both workers and dealate queens were extracted from the leaf litter (Winkler method) may indicate that this species nests and forages in the leaf litter. The unusual morphology of the mandibles suggests that Lenomyrmex is a specialist predator on an unknown prey. This habit is possibly linked to its apparent rarity and restricted elevational distribution.

Two additional workers were found within a soil sample, at slightly higher elevation (1500 m), than the location where the the winkler sampled workers were found. The two workers were maintained alive during six days. They moved relatively slowly and feigned death when disturbed. They did not feed on any offered food items (alive and dead termites, millipedes, mites, various insect parts, sugar/water, tuna, biscuits).

Nomenclature

 *  LENOMYRMEX [Myrmicinae: Lenomyrmecini]
 * Lenomyrmex Fernández & Palacio, 1999: 8. Type-species: Lenomyrmex mandibularis, by original designation.