Product Code Database
Colobopsis is a genus of in the subfamily Formicinae. This genus was first described in 1861 by Mayr and contains 95 species. The type species is Colobopsis truncata.
Colobopsis workers are dimorphic, being divided into major workers and minor workers. The major workers generally have Phragmosis heads that are truncate to varying extents. This may cause them to be confused for Carpenter ant and vice versa, since some Camponotus also have phragmotic heads. Queens of Colobopsis have phragmotic heads as well.
Workers in the Colobopsis cylindrica group have greatly developed mandibular glands that extend from the head all the way to the end of the gaster.
Pupa of Colobopsis are always naked. This is unlike pupae of Camponotus, which are enclosed in cocoons.
Workers in the Colobopsis cylindrica group have the ability to burst the gaster, releasing mandibular gland compounds from the head (autothysis). For this, they are known as "exploding ants". This is used against competitors and predators, and is fatal to the worker itself but benefits the colony.
|
|
