PITHANUS MAERKELII
Fig 1

DESCRIPTION: Up to 5mm in length. A quite distinctive Ant-like but that is always micropterous and primarily black in colour although the eyes are a deep red, the legs orange-brown and the abdomen has a thick lime-green stripe running down each side. The convexium, wing edges and 1st antennal segment are pale. The pronotum is noticeably swollen in the central area. Rare long winged forms do occur. BEHAVIOUR: A predatory species that feeds on small insects. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout. HABITAT: Open and dry grassy areas. PERIOD: Adults can be seen between the months of June and August, with note taken that males are quite short lived.

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