The ant genus Leptanilla belongs to the Leptanillinae subfamily.
Biology
In the soil, some species establish colonies with several hundred workers. Since they live beneath and are rarely observed on the surface, they prey on small arthropods like centipedes. Some species have wingless queens, and new colonies develop through budding from older ones. Some people live a nomadic lifestyle similar to army ants.
Description
Workers for leptanillas are little, pale, yellow, and without eyes.
Identification
Little and pallid Leptanilla employees are a sign of their underground ancestry. Many species can only be identified by males. Workers have a petiole and a post petiole, whereas queens and males have a petiole. This genus differs from the other genera in the subfamily of workers (two genera are only known from males) by a collection of characteristics that includes: Mandibles are sub triangular, with masticatory margins that are shorter than or roughly equal to inner margins and 3-5 teeth on the former. Antennal insertions that are quite near the head’s anterior border. Very thin body.
Diet
Since they live beneath and are rarely observed on the surface, they prey on small arthropods like centipedes.
Distribution
There are several species, including S. havilandi and S. butteli on the Malay Peninsula, S. doderoi and S. revelierei in Corsica and Sardinia, and S. santschii in Java. The only Australian species that has been described is S. swani.
Habitat
Leptanilla spp. are found in woodland habitats such as lowland and montane forests, well-developed forests, and forest edges. Under stones and pieces of wood, they make their nests.
Table
