Echinopla

Species of Echinopla nest and forage arboreally. Foragers are most often encountered during the day, almost exclusively on foliage and only rarely on the ground. Nests occur in dead twigs, vines or branches on live trees. They are infrequently collected, probably because they are found well above the ground and their nests and foraging areas are not readily accessible. There have been no detailed studies undertaken with these ants.



Worker of E. australis from Queensland.

Identification
The antennae are inserted away from the rear margin of the clypeus by a gap about as wide as the maximum scape diameter. The upper plate of the first segment of the gaster (first gastral tergite) is very long and covers most of the gaster. The pronotum and mesonotum (when viewed from above) are completely connected and not separated by an impression or line. The node of the petiole is expanded laterally and is armed with a number of teeth.

The long first upper plate of the gaster and the presence of teeth on the sides of the petiole are unique to these ants and will separate them from all others. Additionally, most species are hairy, with elongate, erect hairs present on most regions of the body, and have strong green, purple or red iridescence.

Distribution and Habitats
Australian distribution

Regional Species Lists

 * Australia

Keys to Species

 * Australia