|
subfamily
|
Formicinae
|
 |
Japanese Name
|
Yama-ari-aka
|
Description
|
|
In workers: posterior part of clypeus generally not extending back to the level of the antennal insertions. Frons well-defined in most cases. Eyes usually well-developed; rarely reduced or absent (as in Acropyga). Ocelli present in many genera. Antennal funiculi incrassate toward their apices, but never forming a segmentally-defined club. Labial and maxillary palpi sometimes elongate, as in Paratrechina and Lasius. Mesothoracic spiracles often with small associated projections. Metanotal groove usually distinct. Pretarsal claws of hind legs not pectinate. Abdominal pedicel consisting of one segment (the petiole), which is generally scale-like or nodiform; and sometimes bears teeth or spines, as in most Polyrhachis and some Camponotus species. Unlike Ponerinae, the second gastral segment is not tubulate, and does not embody a secondary girdling constriction or stridulatory organs. Gaster consisting of 5 segments; the apex conical in form, with a rounded terminal opening, usually surrounded by a fringe of hairs; sting vestigial, not externally visible. Females generally resemble conspecific workers, but are usually somewhat to much larger, with the mesosoma relatively well-developed. Females are usually alate before mating and dealation, but some are ergatoid (as in Polyergus). They have relatively well-developed eyes and ocelli, and complexly subdivided mesosomas. Wing venation is rather constant, generally including one closed marginal cell and one submarginal cell; medio-cubital crossvein present (in wings of the "Formica type", with a closed 1st discoidal cell) or absent (in the "Camponotus type", without a 1st discoidal cell). Males always alate, with well-developed eyes and ocelli. Antennal scapes usually short, except in species of Polyergus. Mesosoma like that of females. Petiole usually nodiform, without definite spines or teeth. Cerci usually present. The rest of body similar to workers. Pupae in Japanese species always enclosed in cocoons (there are foreign exceptions).
|
Remarks
|
|
Subfamily Formicinae stands as one of the most successful ant subfamilies in terms of relative species-richness and extent of geographical distribution. In particular, its species in temperate regions are generally large in size and active on the ground when foraging, so that they are often readily noticeable. The group comprises over 4000 species assigned to 49 genera in 13 tribes. Formicines are morphologically less diverse than myrmicines, but vary widely in habits: they include temporary social parasites (some Formica, Lasius and Polyrhachis species); slave makers (Polyergus, some Rossomyrmex and Formica); honey-pot ants (some Prenolepis, Myrmecocystus, Camponotus), species with completely hypogaeic behavior (Acropyga, some Lasius and Acanthomyops), etc. Nests are usually constructed underground, but many species are arboreal, including Camponotus nawai, Polyrhachis lamellidens and Polyrhachis moesta in Japan. "A List of the Ants of Japan with Common Japanese Names" (Myrmecological Society of Japan Editorial Committee, 1988) nominated 61 species assigned to 10 genera in 4 tribes. Seventy-two species are recognized here.
|
Editor
|
|
Original text by Rikio Sonobe, Kazuo Ogata and Keiichi Onoyama. English translation by Kazuo Ogata, edited by Robert W. Taylor.
|
|
