Strumigenys Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Strumigenys

A Strumigenys abdera worker ant
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Formicidae
Subfamily:	Myrmicinae
Tribe:	Attini
Genus:	*Strumigenys* F. Smith, 1860
Type species
Strumigenys mandibularis F. Smith, 1860
Diversity
> 850 species

Strumigenys is a fascinating group of tiny ants. They belong to a larger family of ants called Myrmicinae. These ants are known for their unique hunting skills and how they build their homes. There are over 850 different kinds of Strumigenys ants found all over the world!

Where Do Strumigenys Ants Live?
What Do Strumigenys Ants Eat?
Many Different Species
See also

Where Do Strumigenys Ants Live?

Strumigenys ants are found in warm, tropical, and subtropical parts of the world. This means you can find them in places with hot and humid climates. For example, 18 different species of these ants live in Australia.

These ants like to build their nests in hidden spots. They often make small homes in the soil, tucked away under rocks, or even inside old logs. Sometimes, they might even nest under cow dung! While they usually move slowly, they can run very fast if they feel threatened.

What Do Strumigenys Ants Eat?

Most Strumigenys ants are expert hunters. They specialize in catching tiny creatures called springtails. Springtails are small, soft-bodied insects that live in the soil. The ants use their special jaws to grab these quick little prey. Other Strumigenys species eat different kinds of small, soft-bodied arthropods.

One interesting type is S. xenos. This ant is a social parasite. This means it lives in the nests of another ant, S. perplexa. S. xenos ants don't have their own workers. Instead, they rely on the host ants to do all the work for them!