Papyrius

Nests of Papyrius are generally associated with trees or dead wood, either standing or on the ground (especially in southern areas), or in soil around the base of trees (especially in western and northern areas). In southern regions they commonly use plant fibres or frass to construct covers over their nests and feeding areas. Nests of the northern, soil nesting species can be very large. They forage on low vegetation, trees, logs or on the ground, and are known to tend the caterpillars of several butterflies.

Papyrius workers are most often encountered at or near their nests. When disturbed, workers extend their legs and turn their gasters downwards under their bodies. From this position, they can spray defensive secretions from the tips of their gasters at intruders. This chemical defence is well developed in these ants, the distinct odour produced being detected for some distance around the area of disturbance.



Worker of P. nitidus from Queensland.

Identification
The palps are short and do not reach the underside of the head, and have a formula of 5:3 (the outer or maxillary palps with 5 segments, the inner or labial palps with 3 segments). The front margin of the clypeus above the mandibles has 8 to 20 very short, straight hairs. The metanotal groove is a distinct, deep trough or notch which is depressed below the level of the surrounding mesonotum and propodeum. The propodeum is relatively high with flat upper and rear faces which are separated by a distinct rounded angle.

Papyrius is one of the few Australian dolichoderines with a reduced palp formula and the only genus with a palp formula of 5:3. The shape of the metanotal groove and propodeum are also unique to these ants.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia