Polyrhachis sokolova

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Polyrhachis sokolova
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Hymenoptera Family: Formicidae Subfamily: Formicinae Genus: Polyrhachis Species: P. sokolova
Binomial name
Polyrhachis sokolova Forel 1902

Polyrhachis sokolova is a species of ant which has been recently discovered to be capable of living underwater. Researchers at the James Cook University gained attention in 2006 after finding and reporting this behavior^[1]. Polyrhachis sokolova nests in submerged mangroves and hides from underwater predators in pockets of air ^[2]. While swimming it has been documented that these ants are eaten by fish, mud skippers, and crabs.

[edit] External links

• Pictures of Polyrhachis sokolova

[edit] References

1. ^ "Scientists discover swimming ants", ABC News, 2006-03-12. 
2. ^ Nielsen, M. G. (1997). Nesting Biology of the Mangrove Mud-nesting Ant Polyrhachis sokolova Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Northern Australia. Insectes Sociaux 44: 15–21. doi:10.1007/s000400050026.