Meranoplus

Garcia, Wiesel and Fischer (2013) - An genus with more than 80 species that are found in the Old World tropics. The African species of this genus nest in the ground, in rotten wood, or under stones (Bolton, 1981b). Foraging is performed primarily on the ground or in the leaf litter whereas only very few species may additionally climb up trees or shrubs (Bolton, 1981b). Anderson (2006) indicated that the Australian species of this genus are either omnivorous, opportunistically feeding on seeds, or specialised granivores. When disturbed they show a special ‘faking-death’ behaviour. They retract their antennae into the scrobes, tuck their legs under the promesonotal shield and remain motionless (Hölldobler, 1988).

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



Nomenclature

 *  MERANOPLUS [Myrmicinae: Meranoplini]
 * Meranoplus Smith, F. 1853: 224. Type-species: Cryptocerus bicolor, by subsequent designation of Bingham, 1903: 166.