Cerapachys
Species accounts
sp. 1
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| Old World Army Ants Cerapachys sp. |
The Old World Army Ants, Cerapachys are a diverse group of ants. Some of these ants are blind (i.e. they have no eye facets), while others are not. The one as shown above has only one eye facet (look at picture below), suggesting a subterranean or nocturnal lifestyle. It was actually seen attacking an earthworm at night, though no photographs to document that.
Cerapachys biroi, one of the species within the genus, is said to be very widespread and is considered a tramp ant [1] and was first described in Singapore by Forel in 1907, suggesting its origins in Asia as well. They are said to practice parthenogenesis [2] because workers can produce diploid eggs. They are also entirely subterranean which also suggests dispersal by exported soil perhaps. This might be an interesting article for those who wish to read more.
Alright, good day ahead.
References
[1] Wetterer et al.. 2012. Worldwide spread of Cerapachys biroi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Cerpachyinae). Myrmecological News 17: 1-4.
[2] Kronaeur et al.. 2012. Asexual reproduction in introduced and native populations of Cerapachys biroi. Molecular Ecology 21(21): 5221-5225.
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