Machomyrma

These rare ants are infrequently encountered. They nest in soil under or between rocks but little else is known of their biology.



Minor worker of Machomyrma from Queensland.



Small major worker of Machomyrma from Queensland.



Major worker of Machomyrma from Queensland.

Identification
The antennae are 11 segmented (including the scape). The upper surface of the head is smooth or uniformly sculptured and lacks grooves for the reception of the antennae when at rest (antennal scrobes are absent). The front margin of the clypeus just above the mandibles has pairs of elongate hairs or setae which straddle the mid-line of the head and lacks a single central hair or seta. The clypeus is smooth or has weak, scattered sculpturing across its entire width. The petiole has a distinct, rounded node. There are major and minor workers but no intermediates (dimorphic, although the major caste can vary slightly in size).

These ants are most likely to be confused with species of Adlerzia, Anisopheidole or possibly Pheidole because of the generally similar body size and shape and the presence of major workers. They can be separated by their 11 segmented antennae and smooth clypeus which lacks a pair of longitudinal ridges near its centre.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution



Regional Species Lists

 * Single species, Machomyrma dispar.