Leptogenys lacerata

Introduction

Leptogenys lacerata is a predatory ant species in the subfamily Ponerinae. These ants have elongated mandibles and use a trap-jaw mechanism to capture prey. Workers are dark-colored with a slender build suited for hunting other arthropods like spiders and insects. The species is found in tropical and subtropical regions where colonies nest in soil or under stones. This is a medium-sized ant genus with colonies that establish through independent founding by queens.