Pseudolasius


Pseudolasius is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae. The genus is known from southern Asia to northern Australia, where it appears to be restricted to tropical areas. These ants are commonly known as twig ants due to their habit of nesting in twigs or hollow stems.

Identification

The mandibles have 4 to 7 teeth, while the maxillary palps have 2 to 5 segments and the labial palps have 2 to 4 segments. The mandibles are small and not easily noticeable. The setae on the upper part of the head are randomly distributed, while the scapes, legs, and upper part of the mesosoma have upright setae. The body is often covered in dense fine hair. The eyes are often poorly developed and usually positioned below the middle of the head. The workers exhibit strong polymorphism, with a major caste that has a notched hind margin of the head. The propodeum has a dorsal face that ranges from low to high-domed, and the overall shape of the mesosoma is compact.

Species