Strumigenys raptans
| Strumigenys raptans | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Myrmicinae |
| Tribe: | Attini |
| Genus: | Strumigenys |
| Species: | S. raptans |
| Binomial name | |
| Strumigenys raptans (Bolton, 2000)
| |
Nothing is known about the biology of Strumigenys raptans.
Contents
Identification
Bolton (2000) - A member of the Strumigenys appretiata-group. For differentiation of raptans from its closest relatives see notes under Strumigenys glenognatha, Strumigenys halosis and Strumigenys wheeleriana.
Keys including this Species
Distribution
Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia (type locality).
Distribution based on AntMaps
Distribution based on AntWeb specimens
Check data from AntWeb
Biology
Strumigenys were once thought to be rare. The development and increased use of litter sampling methods has led to the discovery of a tremendous diversity of species. Many species are specialized predators (e.g. see Strumigenys membranifera and Strumigenys louisianae). Collembola (springtails) and other tiny soil arthropods are typically favored prey. Species with long linear mandibles employ trap-jaws to sieze their stalked prey (see Dacetine trap-jaws). Larvae feed directly on insect prey brought to them by workers. Trophallaxis is rarely practiced. Most species live in the soil, leaf litter, decaying wood or opportunistically move into inhabitable cavities on or under the soil. Colonies are small, typically less than 100 individuals but in some species many hundreds. Moist warm habitats and micro-habitats are preferred. A few better known tramp and otherwise widely ranging species tolerate drier conditions. Foraging is often in the leaf litter and humus. Workers of many species rarely venture above ground or into exposed, open areas. Individuals are typically small, slow moving and cryptic in coloration. When disturbed individuals freeze and remain motionless. Males are not known for a large majority of species.
Castes
Nomenclature
The following information is derived from Barry Bolton's New General Catalogue, a catalogue of the world's ants.
- raptans. Pyramica raptans Bolton, 2000: 162 (w.) COLOMBIA. Combination in Strumigenys: Baroni Urbani & De Andrade, 2007: 126
Unless otherwise noted the text for the remainder of this section is reported from the publication that includes the original description.
Description
Worker
Holotype. TL 2.2, HL 0.59, HW 0.54, CI 9 1 , ML 0. 10, MI 17, SL 0.23, SI 43, PW 0.29, AL 0.60. Pronotal humeral hair and pair on mesonotum long and flagellate. Pronotum and mesonotum mostly or entirely smooth. Hairs on first gastral tergite long and fine, flexuous to subflagellate. Ventral surface of petiole peduncle with a small triangular lamellate process, located approximately below the level of the anterior face of the node. Petiole node in dorsal view slightly longer than broad, its dorsum not densely reticulate-punctate. Spongiform appendages of postpetiole moderately developed; in dorsal view width of one of the lateral lobes distinctly greater than one-quarter the width of the disc. Ventral spongiform lobe relatively large, attached along almost the entire length of the sternite and its maximum depth exceeding half the height of the segment. Basigastral costulae short but sharply defined and distinct; first gastral tergite otherwise smooth and unsculptured.
Paratypes. TL 2.0-2.2, HL 0.55-0.58, HW 0.48-0.54, CI 87-93, ML 0.10, MI 17-18, SL 0.20-0.24, SI 42-44, PW 0.26-0.30, AL 0.53-0.60 (2 measured).
Type Material
Holotype worker, Colombia: C'marca, Transecto Sumapaz, i.1983, 1700 m. (T. van der Hammen) (The Natural History Museum). Paratypes. 2 workers with same data as holotype (University of California, Davis).
References
- Baroni Urbani, C. & De Andrade, M.L. 2007. The ant tribe Dacetini: limits and constituent genera, with descriptions of new species. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale “G. Doria”. 99:1-191.
- Bolton, B. 2000. The ant tribe Dacetini. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute. 65:1-1028. (page 162, worker described)
