18 Jun 2013

Ants of Singapore #08 - Strumigenys (cf. koningsbergi)

Strumigenys

Species accounts


Strumigenys cf. koningsbergi


Strumigenys c.f. koningsbergeri
Strumigenys (Myrmicinae : Dacetini) is a small, cryptic, leaf-litter dwelling ant; they are otherwise known as Trap Jaw ants as well.

They are pretty numerous in the leaf litter and also nest in the crevices of dead logs. They are move slowly most of the time, unless when disturbed.

It is said that some species are specialist predators of springtails (Coembolla, which are arthropods with six legs but do not have wings [Entognatha]). Perhaps that is why they require trap-jaw like mandibles as well, to 'capture' these fast moving Coembollas!


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