Nasutitermes walkeri: The Tree Termite of Eastern Australia

Note an ant, but also an interesting social insect, Nasutitermes walkeri, commonly known as the cone-headed tree termite, is a fascinating species of arboreal termite native to eastern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland, Australia. The soldiers of Nasutitermes walkeri are easily recognizable by their syringe shaped heads and yellowish-brown bodies usually with a darker head. Measuring between 5 and 7 mm (0.20 and 0.28 in) in length, these termites play a crucial role in the ecology of their habitat.

Distribution and Habitat

Endemic to eastern Australia, Nasutitermes walkeri is primarily found in eastern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland. This species thrives in diverse environments, ranging from mountains to coastal regions, particularly in scrublands and wooded areas. The adaptability of Nasutitermes walkeri to various habitats is a testament to its resilience and ability to establish colonies in different ecological niches. Initially, colonies are established in the crowns of trees, taking advantage of sites with timber damage from fire or decay. As the colony matures, a more substantial nest is constructed higher up in the tree, sometimes reaching heights of 20 meters (66 feet) above the ground.

The nests exhibit a thin, papery surface on the outside, while the internal structure is fragile. This fragility is a unique feature that sets Nasutitermes walkeri apart from other termite species. The termites primarily feed at ground level, creating tubes down the tree trunk. Additionally, they construct surface tubes and subterranean passages through the soil to access wood for sustenance.

Ecological Relationships

Nasutitermes walkeri plays a vital role in its natural habitat, aiding in the decomposition of dead wood and contributing to nutrient cycling.

The nests of Nasutitermes walkeri, often found on ironbark, stringybark and gum trees, serve as nesting sites for other wildlife, including kingfishers. This unique ecological relationship highlights the interconnectedness of species in the ecosystem, with Nasutitermes walkeri contributing to the availability of nesting locations for other organisms.

Meranoplus - Shield Ants from Australia

Meranoplus is a diverse genus of over 80 species thriving in the Old World tropics. The African species of this genus exhibit a penchant for nesting in the ground, decaying wood, or beneath stones. Their foraging activities primarily occur on the ground or within leaf litter, although a select few may venture onto trees or shrubs.

Biology

Meranoplus ants can be either omnivorous, opportunistically consuming seeds, or specialized granivores. When disturbed, they fake death by retracting their antennae, tucking their legs under the promesonotal shield, and remaining perfectly motionless.

Identification

Meranoplus ants have a compact mesosoma that is dorsolaterally and often posterodorsally produced. Another defining trait is the nine-segmented antenna with a three-segmented club.

More detail on Myrmecofourmis.fr (fr),

The Maricopa Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex maricopa) - granivorous ants from Arizona

The Maricopa harvester ant, scientifically known as Pogonomyrmex maricopa, holds a significant presence in the United States, primarily in Arizona. However, its habitat extends beyond, encompassing regions in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and various Mexican states like Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora. These ants have the most potent insect venom globally.

Nest Construction and Adaptation

Maricopa harvester ants exhibit distinctive nesting behaviors. Their mounds incorporate rocks and gravel, particularly in fine sand dune areas. The nests feature cemented caps, composed of approximately 60% calcium carbonate transported from underlying layers. These caps serve a crucial role, protecting the nests from erosion during high-wind periods. Interestingly, the partial erosion of these caps contributes to the calcium carbonate content in the surrounding sand dune soils.

Identification

Workers within this population exhibit variations, with some having an unarmed epinotum and others featuring angles or short spines. The closest relative to Pogonomyrmex maricopa is believed to be Pogonomyrmex californicus. Differences in cephalic and thoracic sculptures, rugosity, and coloration aid in distinguishing the two species. While maricopa workers have closely spaced, fine cephalic rugae, californicus workers exhibit widely spaced, coarse rugae. The thoracic dorsum of maricopa is generally more uneven, and the sides of the epinotum bear distinct punctures, unlike the smooth and shining epinotum of californicus

More info on the taxonomy of this species is available on AntWiki.

Lasius fuliginosus: The Jet Ant that smells like lemon

Lasius fuliginosus, commonly known as the jet ant or jet black ant, is a species belonging to the subfamily Formicinae.

Distribution

This ant species is widespread across Europe and Asia, inhabiting regions from Portugal and Ireland to Finland in the north, Italy in the south, and extending eastwards to Korea and Japan. In the UK, it is primarily found south of The Wash, in East Anglia, Southern England, and occasionally in Ireland.

Morphology

Workers of Lasius fuliginosus boast a distinctive black shiny color, a relatively large head with rounded occipital lobes, and brownish-yellow legs. Queens, larger than workers, share the black shiny color but possess a heart-shaped head and more abundant body hairs. Males, with suberect hairs, are smaller in size.

Behavior of Lasius fuliginosus

To convey alarm, these ants dispense dendrolasin, a terpenoid compound, from their mandibular glands. They form a fascinating association with the nitidulid beetle Amphotis marginata, known as the "highwayman." These beetles exploit ants returning to the nest by tricking them into regurgitating food, engaging in a clever tactic known as trophallaxis.

Habitat

Lasius fuliginosus constructs unique "cardboard" nests in old hollow trees using a mixture of chewed wood and saliva, resembling the habits of termites. A single nest houses one queen, but larger colonies can include up to 15,000 workers. These ants tend aphids for honeydew and establish large scent trails for efficient foraging, clearing paths for months.

Reproduction and parasitic foundation

Unlike some black ant species, Lasius fuliginosus employs social parasitism for reproduction. The post-nuptial queen invades nests of another ant species, Lasius umbratus, kills or ousts the existing queen, lays eggs tended by the host workers, and gradually takes over the nest.

Acrobat Ants and their Stinger | Crematogaster from Australia

Crematogaster is a globally distributed genus of ants. Crematogaster species are arboreal ants dwelling in trees. These ants feed on a variety of insects, employing venom to subdue prey. Termed "acrobat ants" for their ability to raise abdomens forward and over their thoraces, these ants deploy defensive mechanisms when faced with conflict. Venom release from abdominal regions serves as a deterrent, with varying effectiveness against different antagonists. Additionally, the application of froths in a "paintbrush" manner represents a unique defensive adaptation, independent of similar behaviors observed in ants and grasshoppers.

Crematogaster engages in nuptial flights for reproduction. During these flights, queens mate with males, with the male's subsequent demise. Some colonies, however, exhibit variations, with large female workers capable of producing unfertilized eggs. This reproductive strategy contributes to the complexity of their social structure.

Stigmacros, shiny ants from Australia

Stigmacros is a genus of ants found solely in Australia. These general predator ants forage on the ground, in leaf litter, and arboreally on trees and shrubs. Most nest in soil, primarily under or between rocks, with some nesting under bark or in dead wood on living trees.

These ants usually have a shiny aspect and black or red colours.

Stigmacros species are generally small, with distinct spines on the propodeum and petiole. Some have reduced propodeal spines and a rounded petiole, resembling ants from other genera. The key distinguishing feature is the 11 segmented antennae, setting Stigmacros apart.

The Black-headed Sugar Ant (Camponotus nigriceps)

The Black-headed Sugar Ant, scientifically identified as *Camponotus nigriceps*, is an indigenous species of Formicinae ant exclusive to Australia. First officially documented by British entomologist Frederick Smith in 1858, it falls under the cosmopolitan genus Camponotus, commonly acknowledged as carpenter ants and in Australia as sugar ants.

Morphology

This ant species is recognized for its distinctive features, including a black head, reddish-brown mesosoma, and a black gaster. Noteworthy for its polymorphism, the workers and soldiers exhibit sizes ranging from 6 to 12 millimetres, while male ants reach 12 millimetres. Queens, the largest members of the colony, measure approximately 16 millimetres.

Distribution and Habitat

Widespread across Australia, the Black-headed Sugar Ant thrives in various environments, from open areas to dry sclerophyll woodlands. Colonies establish nests in soil, large mounds, or under stones.

Swarming

The species engages in nuptial flights during the summer months, marking the initiation of new colonies. These nests can accommodate several thousand individuals.

Ecology and presence in houses

Despite being considered a household pest, Black-headed Sugar Ants play a vital ecological role. Their diet encompasses sweet foods and insects. Additionally, they serve as prey for numerous birds and fish.