Strumigenys is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae.

Biology

Strumigenys form small nests in soil, under or between rocks, or in and under logs or under cattle dung. Some species nest in association with other ants such as Bothriomyrmex mayri or Rhytidoponera metallica. Although they are normally slow moving, they can run quickly when disturbed. S. xenos is a permanent social parasite, which forms no workers and lives in the nests of its host S. perplexa. Most species specialize in the hunt of springtails, and the others eat other soft-bodied arthropods.

Distribution

Strumigenys is found throughout the tropics and subtropics. 18 species are known from Australia.

Selected species

The genus contains over 850 species. They include:

Footnotes