Colobopsis leonardi (Queen)

Scientific name: Colobopsis leonardi

Taxonomic classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Formicidae
• Genus: Colobopsis
• Species: C. leonardi

Geographic distribution: Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Borneo.

Physical characteristics:

• Size: Workers between 5-8 mm in length, queens between 13-14 mm in length.
• Color: Reddish or brown workers, darker brown queens.
• Sickle-shaped mandibles, used for cutting leaves and group hunting.

Behavior:

• Hunt in groups, using their mandibles to bite and a sticky substance to immobilize their prey.
• Have a symbiotic relationship with a species of bacteria that provides protection against other insects.

Conservation status: Not listed on any endangered species list.

Additional notes: The Colobopsis leonardi ant is a fascinating and unique species, known for its group hunting behavior and symbiotic relationship with bacteria. In addition, these ants may play an important role in forest ecology, influencing the structure of the insect community and the decomposition of organic matter.