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Myrmoteras, the Monstrous Ants Ecology and Care Guide

Species of the genus Myrmoteras are among the most bizarre ant forms and unique among Formicinae by having mandibles that form into a specialized trap-jaw mechanism that can open more than 280 degrees. – a character that, however, has convergently evolved in other subfamilies (Odontomachus and Anochetus in Ponerinae; Dacetini in Myrmicinae). The small Myrmoteras ants with cryptic living habits in leaf litter make them difficult to collect.

The genus Myrmoteras was established by Forel in 1893 from a series of workers taken in the Thaungyin Valley, Burmah. This ant, to which he gave the name binghami (genus genotype), was for a number of years the only known representative of the genus.

The genus Myrmoteras, which comprises circa 41 species, is endemic to the Asian tropics.

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ants, ant keeping Martinho GM ants, ant keeping Martinho GM

Yellow Crazy Ants - Care Guide and Ecology

Anoplolepis gracilipes is commonly known by one of two names, the first and most common is the Yellow Crazy Ant and second but more scientifically correct is the Slender Leg Ant. The name crazy ant arises from its characteristic behavior that is to run erratically in rapid movements when disturbed, and the name slender leg comes from their long and thin stalky legs.

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ants, ant keeping Martinho GM ants, ant keeping Martinho GM

Polyrhachis - The Spiny Ants

Spiny ants belong to the Formicinae sub-family and the Polyrhachis genus. They are the far away cousins of our worldwide beloved Carpenter Ants.

Polyrhachis is a genus of formicine ants found in the Old World with over 600 species. The genus is yet to be fully understood and described because it is one of the most ecologically diverse ant genera in the world. It contains so many varied species which span so many different types of habitats including mangrove, soil and tree-dwellers.

They can be easily be identified due to the big spikes most workers showcase as a defensive mechanism against predators.

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