Aphaenogaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aphaenogaster |
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|---|---|
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| A. phillipsi worker | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Subfamily: |
Myrmicinae
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| Tribe: |
Pheidolini
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| Genus: |
Aphaenogaster
Mayr, 1853
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| Type species | |
| Aphaenogaster sardoa Mayr, 1853
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| Species | |
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> 190 |
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| Diversity | |
| > 190 species | |
| Synonyms | |
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Nystalomyrma |
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Aphaenogaster is a group of ants. Scientists have found almost 200 different types, called species. We also know about 11 species that are now fossils. These ants live all over the world. You won't find them in South America or Southern Africa.
Contents
What Makes Aphaenogaster Ants Special?
People sometimes mix up Aphaenogaster ants with other ant groups like Pheidole or Pheidologeton. But there are some easy ways to tell them apart!
Worker Ants
Most ant colonies have different types of workers. For example, Pheidole and Pheidologeton ants have "major" workers (who are bigger) and "minor" workers (who are smaller). But Aphaenogaster ants are different. They only have one size of worker ant. All their worker ants look pretty much the same.
Antenna Differences
You can also look at their antennas. Pheidole ants have a club on their antenna that has three parts. Aphaenogaster ants have a club with four parts. They are also usually bigger than Pheidole ants.
Pheidologeton ants have 11 parts on their antenna. Aphaenogaster ants have 12 parts on their antenna. So, counting the parts of their antenna can help you identify them!
Home Sweet Home: Aphaenogaster Nests
Aphaenogaster ants build nests that are easy to spot. They make thick nests with many large entrances. These entrances are often close together in a small area.
Funnel-Shaped Entrances
The openings of their nests can be quite wide, up to 4 cm across. They can also go deep into the ground, up to 30 cm down. These entrances often look like funnels. This is why these ants are sometimes called funnel ants.
Nests and People
These nests can sometimes cause problems. For example, on golf courses or in fields where animals graze, the ground around the nests can be weak. It might break easily if someone steps on it or drives over it. This can also be an issue on unpaved airstrips.
What Do Aphaenogaster Ants Eat?
Most of the food for Aphaenogaster ants comes from tiny insects called aphids. These ants take care of aphids that live on the roots of plants. The aphids produce a sweet liquid called "honeydew," which the ants eat.
Because they get so much food from aphids underground, you don't often see Aphaenogaster ants walking around above ground. The funnel-shaped openings of their nests might also help them catch other small arthropods, which they also eat.
Ant Behavior
Aphaenogaster ants are not usually mean or aggressive. However, if someone disturbs their nest, they will bite to protect their home.
Images for kids
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Aphaenogaster dlusskyana worker preserved in amber
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Aphaenogaster gonacantha worker
See also
In Spanish: Aphaenogaster para niños
