Learning about Basiceros tumucumaquensis, a cryptic “dirt ant” of South America:
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Learning about Basiceros tumucumaquensis, a cryptic “dirt ant” of South America:
“virtually nothing is known about this ant”
Great.
“but we did collect two near a Brazil nut tree and watched them for three days” (paraphrasing)
“They didn’t do much, then they died”
Great.
“when disturbed may enter thanatosis”
Oh neat! I wonder what “thanatosis” means? It sounds very exciting! Did they bite? Sting? Something worse?
“a state of involuntary paralysis triggered by fear”
Great
I like to think these ants fooled the researchers into thinking they were dead and once dumped in the trash they shook themselves off (but not too much, they are dirt ants after all) and scurried off to live their mysterious lives.
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F myrmepropagandist shared this topic
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Learning about Basiceros tumucumaquensis, a cryptic “dirt ant” of South America:
“virtually nothing is known about this ant”
Great.
“but we did collect two near a Brazil nut tree and watched them for three days” (paraphrasing)
“They didn’t do much, then they died”
Great.
“when disturbed may enter thanatosis”
Oh neat! I wonder what “thanatosis” means? It sounds very exciting! Did they bite? Sting? Something worse?
“a state of involuntary paralysis triggered by fear”
Great
@futurebird wouldn't it have behooved these researchers to observe-in-place? What exactly did anyone expect two ants to "do" with no Queen/mound/food source?
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@futurebird wouldn't it have behooved these researchers to observe-in-place? What exactly did anyone expect two ants to "do" with no Queen/mound/food source?
They gave them some leaf litter and soil from their home and hoped to offer them food to find out what they ate. But instead they learned these ants do not respond well to being collected. So the next person who sees them in the wild can hopefully take the time to watch them and find out what they eat and where they live. This is not yet recorded in the scientific literature and it’s worth asking the locals, but these are VERY cryptic ants.
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I like to think these ants fooled the researchers into thinking they were dead and once dumped in the trash they shook themselves off (but not too much, they are dirt ants after all) and scurried off to live their mysterious lives.
I suppose I ought to explain about the “dirt ants” a dirt ant sounds like an ant that digs in dirt (which would be most ants) however, this title refers to ants that collect a layer of dirt on their integument. They have specialized hairs on their exoskeleton that allow them to acquire a layer of dirt, mycelium and small plant matter. This creates an excellent disguise.
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I suppose I ought to explain about the “dirt ants” a dirt ant sounds like an ant that digs in dirt (which would be most ants) however, this title refers to ants that collect a layer of dirt on their integument. They have specialized hairs on their exoskeleton that allow them to acquire a layer of dirt, mycelium and small plant matter. This creates an excellent disguise.
The dirt ants have been at this for a long long time.
First Caribbean 'dirt ant' found in 16-million-year-old amber
Wherever there's dirt there's bound to be ants, but one particular group is so adept at blending in with the ground that they hold the name "dirt ant" (Basiceros) all to themselves.
(phys.org)
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The dirt ants have been at this for a long long time.
First Caribbean 'dirt ant' found in 16-million-year-old amber
Wherever there's dirt there's bound to be ants, but one particular group is so adept at blending in with the ground that they hold the name "dirt ant" (Basiceros) all to themselves.
(phys.org)
@futurebird If I ever find an ant in amber, I’m sending it directly to you. I assume you’ll take utmost care of it.
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The dirt ants have been at this for a long long time.
First Caribbean 'dirt ant' found in 16-million-year-old amber
Wherever there's dirt there's bound to be ants, but one particular group is so adept at blending in with the ground that they hold the name "dirt ant" (Basiceros) all to themselves.
(phys.org)
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@futurebird They basically got here as soon as there was Caribbean dirt to be ants in.
The First Law of Antkeeping:
If there is a container with ants in it and you open it ants will come out of it.
The Second Law of Antkeeping:
If there is a place for ants (most places count) ants will show up.
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@futurebird If I ever find an ant in amber, I’m sending it directly to you. I assume you’ll take utmost care of it.
@aprilfollies @futurebird same for sure. I already want to tag her on all the entomological posts here I see.
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@aprilfollies @futurebird same for sure. I already want to tag her on all the entomological posts here I see.
