Genus of ants
Acropyga is a genus of small formicine ants. Some species can be indirect pests. "A. acutiventris", which is found from India to Australia, tends subterranean, root-feeding mealybugs of the species "Xenococcus annandalei". Living, gravid females are carried in the jaws of "A. acutiventris" queens during their nuptial flight, to establish the symbiotic association in founding colonies. Other "Acropyga" species have relationships with different species of mealybugs, and it could be a trait common to the whole genus.
Description.
"Acropyga" are smaller than , with a compact, stocky body. They have antennae with 10 or 11 segments (including the scape), short palps and reduced eyes with four to 30 individual ommatidia. In some species, the eyes are completely absent.
Distribution.
"Acropyga" is found in the Americas, southern Africa, India to Southeast Asia and Australia. "A. paleartica" is known only from Greece. Fossil specimens of "Acropyga " have been recovered from the Burdigalian stage. Dominican amber deposits and several individuals are preserved carrying "Electromyrmococcus" mealybugs. These fossils represent the oldest recorded record of the symbiosis between mealybugs and "Acropyga" species ants. They are found in leaf litter and forage on low vegetation, and will nest in various sites, including soil, bark and rotten logs.
Species.
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References.
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