Proceratium pergandei

Reddish-brown, antennae and legs paler, head and alitrunk finely sculptured, surface moderately dull; body finely pubescent. This very distinct species has a low, rounded petiolar node and a characteristically shaped second gastral segment.

The distinctive features of this species were such that it was placed in the genus Sysphincta for many years.

Colonies are small; one found by Wesson & Wesson ( 1940) had a single queen, 11 workers, and 8 males.

Recorded from two counties in southwestern Ohio. Regional northern range limit for this species.

Named after Theodore Pergande, Ameri­can entomologist ( 1840-1916), who sent much of the North American ant material to Carlo Emery. A distinctive reddish-brown species formerly placed in a different genus.

Size

3.6mm - 4.2mm

Habitat

Found in open woods. Wesson & Wesson (1940) cite dense oak woods. See Carter (1962) for North Carolina habitats, including pine and de­ciduous woods and grassy broom-sedge fields.

Food

A specialized predator on spider eggs

Behavior

Strictly found underground or beneath cover (hypogaeic). The reflexed tip of the gaster is "used to tuck the slippery eggs toward the mandibles when the eggs are being carried"

Nesting Information

In red, rotten logs. Under rock (Brown, 1958).

Verified Locales (counties)

Adams, Greene,

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