Prolasius
Prolasius is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae. These ants are native to Australia and New Zealand. They are generally small and inconspicuous, often nesting in soil, under rocks, or in rotting wood.
Prolasius ants are characterized by their slender bodies, generally light coloration (ranging from yellow to brown), and the presence of a propodeal spiracle that is round or oval. Their mandibles have multiple teeth, and their antennae typically have 12 segments.
The social behavior of Prolasius ants is variable. Some species are monogynous (having a single queen), while others are polygynous (having multiple queens). Colony sizes can range from a few dozen to several thousand workers.
These ants are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources, including insects, honeydew, and seeds. They are important members of their ecosystems, contributing to soil aeration and nutrient cycling.
Taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Formicidae
- Subfamily: Formicinae
- Genus: Prolasius
Several species are recognized within the Prolasius genus, including (but not limited to):
- Prolasius advenus
- Prolasius antarcticus
- Prolasius bruneus
- Prolasius clarki
- Prolasius convexus
- Prolasius flavicornis
- Prolasius formosus
- Prolasius helleri
- Prolasius hemicyclius
- Prolasius humilis
- Prolasius integer
- Prolasius laticipes
- Prolasius mjoebergii
- Prolasius nigriventris
- Prolasius pallidus
- Prolasius pusillus
- Prolasius robustus
- Prolasius wheeleri