''Monomorium antarcticum'' is an

ant Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period. More than 13,800 of an estimated total of ...

of the

family Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...

Formicidae,

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found else ...

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

. Also known as the southern ant, this is likely New Zealand's most common native ant species. Because it is highly variable in size (3–5mm), colour, and colony structure, it is possible that it consists of a complex of closely related species. It has a generalist diet, including small arthropods, nectar, and seeds, and it also tends aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs to obtain honeydew.

Distribution and habitat

''Monomorium antarcticum'' is endemic to New Zealand, found across the North and South Islands, as well as Stewart Island and smaller offshore islands, the Three Kings Islands, the Chatham Islands, the Kermandec Islands and the Austral Islands. ''Monomorium antarcticum'' are found throughout many habitats including native forest, grasslands, wetlands, pastureland, household gardens as well as horticultural and industrial habitats. There is some evidence to suggest that the range of ''Monomorium antarcticum'' in urban habitats may be restricted due to competition with exotic ant species, at least in northern parts of New Zealand.

Identification

Worker specimens are variable in size, usually 3-5mm in length, with head width varying from 0.60-0.88mm. The antennae have 12 segments, with a three segmented club. Metanotal groove present, either distinctly or weakly impressed. Spines on propodeum are either blunt or absent. Colour highly variable across colonies (but usually consistent within colonies), from orange, light to dark brown and black.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1942088 antarcticum Ants of New Zealand Endemic fauna of New Zealand Insects described in 1858 Taxa named by Frederick Smith (entomologist) Hymenoptera of New Zealand Endemic insects of New Zealand