The ant genus Strumigenys belongs to the Myrmicinae subfamily. a genus that is widespread throughout the planet and is primarily found in the tropics and subtropics.
Habitat
The majority of Strumigenys species are tiny, cryptic ants that nest in leaf litter, soil, or rotting wood, while the number of species that prefer an arboreal lifestyle is much smaller.
Feature
Many species are specialized predators that hunt collembolans or other small arthropods using their trap-jaw mandibles.
The hundreds of Strumigenys species exhibit great body hair modification, variety in mandible shape, and body sculpting. The biology of the majority of organisms is poorly understood.
Biology
Strumigenys build tiny nests in the ground, between rocks, in and under logs, or behind cow manure. Some ant species, like Bothriomyrmex mayri and Rhytidoponera metallica, nest together. Even while they move slowly in general, when startled, they may run swiftly.
The social parasite S. xenos dwells inside the nests of its host, S. perplexa, and does not create workers. The majority of species are experts in hunting springtails, while the others prey on other soft-bodied arthropods.
Distribution
Strumigenys can be found all across the tropics and subtropics. Australia is home to 18 species that are known.
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