Pachycondyla

Taxobox
name = "Pachycondyla"


image_caption = "P. harpax" worker
image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Hymenoptera
familia = Formicidae
subfamilia = Ponerinae
tribus = Ponerini
genus = "Pachycondyla"
genus_authority = Smith, 1858
diversity_link = Pachycondyla
diversity = c. 200 - 300 species
type_species = "Formica crassinoda"
type_species_authority = Latreille, 1802
range_

range_map_width = 250px
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "P. castanea"
"P. castaneicolor"
"P. harpax"
"P. javana"
"P. marginata"
"P. tarsata"
"P. verenae"
many more, see text.
synonyms ="Bothroponera"
"Ectomomyrmex"
"Brachyponera"
"Mesoponera"
"Trachymesopus"

"Pachycondyla" is a diverse group of ponerine ants that are widespread in the world's tropics and subtropics. Most are general predators or scavengers, with some specializing in hunting termites. In some species queens are replaced by fertilised workers. Apart from 200 to 300 described species, five fossil species have been identified.Australian Ants Online]

ystematics

While officially a genus, "Pachycondyla" is a polyphyletic group, consisting of many subgenera with unclear relationships, that will likely prove to be valid, distinct generaTree of Life] .

Description

"Pachycondyla" workers are similarly shaped to those of the genera "Cryptopone", "Hypoponera" and "Ponera" and are often confused. They can be identified by having a large comb-like and a smaller simple spur on the hind leg, while the others are missing the smaller one.

Footnotes

References

* Australian Ants Online: [http://www.ento.csiro.au/science/ants/ponerinae/pachycondyla/pachycondyla.htm Genus "Pachycondyla"]
* Tree of Life Web Project. 2004. [http://tolweb.org/Pachycondyla/22415/2004.10.15 Pachycondyla] . Version 15 October 2004 (temporary). in [http://tolweb.org/ The Tree of Life Web Project]

External links

* Tree of Life: [http://www.tolweb.org/Termitopone_marginata/26890 Pictures of "Pachycondyla (Termitopone) marginata"]
* Ant Web: [http://www.antweb.org/description.do?rank=genus&name=pachycondyla&project=madants Picture of a dozen species]
* ITIS: [http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=574203 "Pachycondyla"] — List of many species (complete?)