Platythyrea

These uncommon ants form small colonies in soil, in rotten wood or in hollow twigs on trees. Some are specialist predators on termites while others have a broader diet including a range of invertebrates. Some of the tropical species are known to run rapidly on logs or tree trunks when foraging while others forage singly. Their sting is fairly painful.



Worker of P. micans from Western Australia.

Identification
The forward sections of the frontal lobes and the antennal sockets are separated by the broadly rounded or triangular rearward extension of the clypeus. The node of the petiole has distinct front, top and rear faces. The tips of the tibiae of the hind legs each have two comb-like (pectinate) spurs, one large and one small (best viewed from the front, and note that the teeth on the small spur can be difficult to see when viewed from some angles). The combination of the broad rear section of the clypeus and the two comb-like spurs on the hind legs will separate these ants from others in Australia.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia