Plectroctena mandibularis

Plectroctena mandibularis
P. mandibularis worker
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Ponerinae
Genus: Plectroctena
Species: P. mandibularis
Binomial name
Plectroctena mandibularis
F.Smith, 1858
Synonyms
  • Plectroctena major

Plectroctena mandibularis is a large species of ant that ranges from the Eastern Cape, South Africa, through East Africa to Ethiopia. Their workers forage singly[1] in open terrain, and their colony size seldom exceeds 50 individuals.[1][2] It is one of the large Plectroctena species, including P. conjugata and P. minor, that specialize on adult millipedes as prey.[2] The nest is composed of chambers that are typically located 2 feet or more below the surface, and the nest entrances are usually marked by large piles of earth.[1][2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Arnold, G. (1915). "A monograph of the Formicidae in South Africa. Part I.". Annals of the South African Museum. 14: 1–159.
  2. 1 2 3 Bolton, B.; Gotwald, W. H.; Leroux, J-M (1976). "A new West African ant of the genus Plectroctena with ecological notes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)" (PDF). Annales de l'Université d'Abidjan, serié E (Ecologie). Retrieved 5 September 2013.


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