Discover Nature at JCU Animals Miscellaneous fauna Odontomachus sp.

Odontomachus sp.

Image of Odontomachus sp.

(Trapjaw ants)

SUBFAMILY

Ponerinae

Species

Odontomachus sp.

Common name

Trapjaw ants

Main colour

Dark chocolate brown

Size

10 mm long

Campus

Townsville, probably Cairns

Description

These ants are highly predatory, with jaws which can be opened out to 180 degrees and snapped shut on prey. They have a powerful sting, and prowl the ground with an appearance best described as watchful. The species on campus resembles the one figured and may be the same. Odontomachis cephalotes was photographed on Cape York. Photo courtesy of Alex Wild, http://www.myrmecos.net/ants/