Strumigenys hexamera

Strumigenys hexamera is a small predatory ant that feeds on minute soil arthropods. Originally from East Asia, P. hexamera has been recently introduced to North America, apparently through human commerce.

Identification
TL 2.0–2.2, HL 0.50–0.53, HW 0.53–0.55, CI 106–108, ML 0.18–0.22, SL 0.28–0.31, PW 0.23–0.25, WL 0.57–0.60 (measurements and description from Bolton (2000)). Strumigenys hexamera is a minute (~2.0 mm in total length), brown species with elongate mandibles; in full face view only 3 teeth are visible, 2 preapical teeth and one very long apicodorsal tooth which extends over the tooth on the opposite mandible and beyond the outer margin of the opposite mandible. The entire head, scape, and even the mandibles are covered with large circular shaped, somewhat translucent setae. Spongiform tissue present beneath the petiole and postpetiole.

Within the United States, the unique mandibular structure and scale-like setae on the head and body will separate S. hexamera from other members of the genus.

Distribution
A rare, introduced species known from two sites in central Florida. The sites were in mesic forest. This is our only known example of an ant apparently introduced into Florida from Japan. Pest status: none. First published Florida record: Deyrup 1988; earlier specimens: 1987. (Deyrup, Davis & Cover, 2000.)

Strumigenys hexamera is now well established in the southeastern US, especially in Mississippi where we have collected it throughout the state in over 17 counties. Compared to other alien species, S. hexamera appears to do well in natural wooded habitats. Joe MacGown has typically collected this species in rich mesic hardwood or mixed pine hardwood forests, often in areas with hilly terrain.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Palaearctic Region: Japan, Republic of Korea.



Biology
Strumigenys hexamera is subterranean, rather than living in leaf litter. It is a specialized ambush predator of small long-bodied soil arthropods, such as Diplura, Chilopoda, and Collembola (Masuko 1984). Masuko (2009) reported that “Diplura composed 60% of the prey in the field material.” This prey preference is unusual compared with most dacetines whose biologies have been studied, and which apparently prey primarily on Collembola (Masuko 2009). Foraging S. hexamera workers hunt for their prey in small crevices in the soil. Upon encountering prey, S. hexamera moves to a crouching position, pulls its antennae back into recessed antennal scrobes lining the side of the head, closes its mandibles, and remains motionless. The ant may remain still for >20 min while it waits for the prey to advance and crawl on top of her head. Strumigenys hexamera is uniquely equipped for this situation, having a flattened head and slightly upturned mandibles, each of which terminates with a sharp apical tooth, allowing the ant to strike at prey passing overhead. When the prey is in the correct position, the ant opens its mandibles and suddenly snaps them shut, impaling the prey with the apical teeth (Masuko 1984). Strumigenys hexamera has also been reported to coat its body with soil and other detritus using its forelegs, a behavior that may camouflage the ant's odor from the prey (Masuko 1984).

Nomenclature

 *  hexamera. Epitritus hexamerus Brown, 1958d: 70, figs. 1-3 (w.q.) JAPAN. Combination in Pyramica: Bolton, 1999: 1672; in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 121. See also: Bolton, 2000: 388.