Subfamily MYRMICINAE
Carebara acutispina
(Xu, 2003)
Rare
Native in HK: Yes
Tramp species: No
Pest species: No
Nesting: Hypogaeic
Foraging: Leaf litter / Hypogaeic
Habitats: Forest
Colony size: Unknown
Colony: Monogynous*
Castes: Dimorphic
Active time: N/A
Diets: Generalist predator (soil arthropods)
Distribution.
Native from the subtropical regions of East Asia, this species has a limited distribution.
Biology & Ecology.
In Hong Kong, this species can be found in forest habitats. Like other species from the same genus, this species likely nests within the soil or leaf litter, and prey on soil arthropods. Ecology of this species remains, for its most part, unknown.
This species is dimorphic, meaning that its workers can be sorted into two subcastes: the larger major workers (soldiers) and the smaller minor workers.
Identification.
This species can be recognized by its size (0.85–1.4 mm), mandible with five teeth and, for major workers, the lack of striations on the head.