4 replies to this topic

[Ferox_Formicae]

Here's a really interesting paper by my friend, Douglas Booher, who I like to refer to as the master of Strumigenys. It includes a really awesome little animation on the evolution and diversity of the trap-jaw mechanism, which has apparently evolved independently 7-10 different times in the genus. It's a really good read, and I highly recommend you look through it if you have any interest in these fascinating ants. Also as a heads up, him and I have a paper coming out soon that I did the illustrations for, so keep your eyes open for that!

[Chickalo]

It's amazing how two different animals (both under the family formicidae though) evolved with the same function.  This is also seen with bats, insects, and birds, even more different, but all evolved with some sort of wings.

[Ferox_Formicae]

It's amazing how two different animals (both under the family formicidae though) evolved with the same function.  This is also seen with bats, insects, and birds, even more different, but all evolved with some sort of wings.

Actually the trap-jaw has evolved 7-10 times in the genus Strumigenys alone! The trap-jaw mechanism has evolved independently in other genera too, such as Odontomachus, Myrmoteras, Daceton, Mystrium, among others. Compared to that, flight has evolved 4 times, first in insects, then pterosaurs, followed by birds (very closely related to the pterosaurs) and bats.

[ponerinecat]

Wonder how many times it's evolved in dacetini.

[Ferox_Formicae]

Wonder how many times it's evolved in dacetini.

All I know is that it's probably at least 12-15.