Pachycondyla
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| Pachycondyla | ||||||||||||||||
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 P. harpax worker
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
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| Diversity | ||||||||||||||||
| c. 200 - 300 species | ||||||||||||||||
| Type species | ||||||||||||||||
| Formica crassinoda Latreille, 1802 |
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| Species | ||||||||||||||||
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P. castanea |
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Bothroponera |
Pachycondyla is a diverse group of ponerine ants that are widespread in the world's tropics and subtropics. Most are general predators or scavengers, with some specializing in hunting termites. In some species queens are replaced by fertilised workers. Apart from 200 to 300 described species, five fossil species have been identified.[1]
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[edit] Systematics
While officially a genus, Pachycondyla is a polyphyletic group, consisting of many subgenera with unclear relationships, that will likely prove to be valid, distinct genera[2].
[edit] Description
Pachycondyla workers are similarly shaped to those of the genera Cryptopone, Hypoponera and Ponera and are often confused. They can be identified by having a large comb-like and a smaller simple spur on the hind leg, while the others are missing the smaller one.[1]
[edit] Footnotes
[edit] References
- Australian Ants Online: Genus Pachycondyla
- Tree of Life Web Project. 2004. Pachycondyla. Version 15 October 2004 (temporary). in The Tree of Life Web Project
[edit] External links
- Tree of Life: Pictures of Pachycondyla (Termitopone) marginata
- Ant Web: Picture of a dozen species
- ITIS: Pachycondyla — List of many species (complete?)
