Terataner undefined

Alpert, G. D., 1992, Observations on the genus Terataner in Madagascar (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)., Psyche 99, pp. 117-127 : 119-121

T. sp. d

is restricted to the Ankarana forest in the " Reserves Speciales " of north central Madagascar. The protection of this reserve is vital to the survival of this ant. Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of Terataner species included in this study.

Colony Composition

All six Terataner species nest in plant cavities, typically in dead branches or twigs that are on the ground or in bushes close to the ground. Different species of Terataner were often found nesting within a meter of one another in the same habitat. T. alluaudi , a widespread species, was found sympatrically with T. foreli and the more restricted species T. sp. a, T. sp. b, T. sp. c, and T. sp. d. Larvae, pupae and adults were packed together into a central cavity.

Only one or two entrances were found per nest, and these openings were typically guarded by workers. During nest analysis, no predators, parasites, or inquilines were found. Occasionally, stored insect booty were found cached at one end of the nest.

Seven complete nests of T. alluaudi were collected (Table 1). The nest sites of T. alluaudi consisted of a dead branch on the ground (4 cases), or a dead branch resting in vegetation close to the ground (3 cases).