Belonopelta attenuata

This species is rare and little is known about its biology, especially when compared to its only congener Belonopelta deletrix. Based on what is known of this other species (see the biology section of the deletrix species page for observations of colonies collected by E.O. Wilson) and the morphology of the mandibles of attenuata this ant is likely a cryptobiotic predator of diplurans and/or other soft-bodied arthropods.

Identification
Mann (1922) - Belonopelta deletrix differs from Belonopelta attenuata in its shorter and broader head, the clypeus more projecting and narrowly rounded in front, the more slender and arcuate mandibles with much longer tips, the longer antennal scapes, smaller size and in having on the head coarser, separated punctures in addition to the dense and subtile punctation.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia.

Nomenclature

 * . Belonopelta attenuata Mayr, 1870a: 395, pl. 1, fig. 11 (w.) COLOMBIA (“New Granada”).
 * Status as species: Dalla Torre, 1893: 43; Emery, 1901a: 44; Emery, 1911d: 88; Wheeler, W.M. 1935d: 10; Kempf, 1972a: 37; Baroni Urbani, 1975b: 300 (redescription); Bolton, 1995b: 80; Zabala, 2008: 137 (in key) ; Fernández & Guerrero, 2019: 517.