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Thaumatomyrmex Soesilae
''Thaumatomyrmex'' is a Neotropical genus of ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, found from Mexico to Brazil. They are notable for their pitchfork-shaped mandibles, which they use to capture millipedes of the order Polyxenida. The genus is a specialist predator of polyxenids, and one of only two ant genera known to prey upon polyxenids. Taxonomy and phylogenetics The genus was established by Mayr in 1877 to house the single species ''Thaumatomyrmex mutilatus'', discovered in Brazil. Since its inception, the genus has been placed in various tribes: Ectatommini, Ponerini, Cylindromyrmicini, and its own tribe, Thaumatomyrmecini. Molecular phylogeny by Schmidt & Shattuck (2014) confirmed that the genus is nested within Ponerini. Twelve species has been described, and a few undescribed taxa are known. Distribution ''Thaumatomyrmex'' is found only in the Neotropics, from Mexico to Brazil (including Cuba and other Caribbean islands). The genus was once thought to be rare, bu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Thaumatomyrmex Atrox
''Thaumatomyrmex'' is a Neotropical genus of ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, found from Mexico to Brazil. They are notable for their pitchfork-shaped mandibles, which they use to capture millipedes of the order Polyxenida. The genus is a specialist predator of polyxenids, and one of only two ant genera known to prey upon polyxenids. Taxonomy and phylogenetics The genus was established by Gustav Mayr, Mayr in 1877 to house the single species ''Thaumatomyrmex mutilatus'', discovered in Brazil. Since its inception, the genus has been placed in various tribe (biology), tribes: Ectatommini, Ponerini, Cylindromyrmicini, and its own tribe, Thaumatomyrmecini. Molecular phylogeny by Schmidt & Shattuck (2014) confirmed that the genus is nested within Ponerini. Twelve species has been described, and a few undescribed taxa are known. Distribution ''Thaumatomyrmex'' is found only in the Neotropics, from Mexico to Brazil (including Cuba and other Caribbean islands). The genus was once thoug ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
