Huberia brounii Forel 1895
Classification
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Myrmicinae |
| Tribe: | Myrmicini |
| Genus: | Huberia |
| Species: | brounii |
Common name(s)
None
Synonyms ( )
None
Origin
Regarded as endemic to New Zealand. Together with H. striata belongs to New Zealand’s only endemic genus of ants.
Distribution (see map)
Widespread in native forests throughout both main islands.
General Description
Identification
Features of the genus are: antennae 11-segmented with a weakly 4-segmented club; clypeus with a median longitudinal groove; propodeum armed with a pair of sharp spines; areas of striation (fine lines) on the head and mesosoma; gaster smooth and shining.
Diagnostic features of the worker
Length 3.2-3.5 mm; deeply impressed metanotal groove; colour of body rusty to deep brown, legs and antennae more yellowish.
Biology
Poorly known. Brown (1958a) observes that H. brounii resembles in general habitus, though not in its large convex eyes, the species of Stenamma found in the woodlands of the Northern Hemisphere. He speculates on the possibility of brounii feeding “like its northern analogues .... on small arthropods in the soil cover.” Colonies in the leaf litter are small and seldom seen. Specimens turn up frequently in litter and moss samples, and occasionally in pitfall traps.
Pest Status
Impacts not known, but considered unlikely to be a pest.
