Calyptomyrmex is a genus of slow moving armored ant. Calyptomyrmex is monomorphic and monogynous. This mid size ant measure at slightly over 4 millimeters.There is a recess on both sides of the head behind the antennae that allow this armoured ant to withdraw their antennae similar to Cephalotes turtle ants but Calyptomyrmex lack spines (thorns). Calyptomyrmex are subterranean ants whereas Cephalotes and Cataulacus are arboreal ants.
Worker of Calyptomyrmex ant.
Workers of Calyptomyrmex ant.
Workers of Calyptomyrmex ant.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Subclass: Pterygota
Infraclass: Neoptera
Order: Hymenoptera 7399
Suborder: Apocrita 7400
Infraorder: Aculeata 7434
Superfamily: Vespoidea 34725
Family: Formicidae 36668
Subfamily: Myrmicinae 34695
Tribe: Meranoplini 144008
Genus: Calyptomyrmex 369104
Last Updated: 2011 10 31
© 2011 Quah. All rights reserved.
These ants seem to have similar habits with Meranoplus. Do they have chemical defense as well?
ReplyDeleteHowever, the appearence reminds me of Cephalotes turtle ants. For all I know, they might be related.
Most Calyptomyrmex species do not have eyes or spines (thorns). Cataulacus is probably more closer to Cephalotes, Meranoplus too.
ReplyDeleteWhere and when do u find these genus?I'm very interested in this particular.Do they appear in Northeast or Southwest Malaysia or both btw?
ReplyDeleteIt was collect in Selangor but I suspect it should be distributed throughout the central region of the peninsular if not wider.
DeleteAlso wat the species u found and is all calyptomyrmex monogynous?
ReplyDelete