Iridomyrmex omalonotus explained

Iridomyrmex omalonotus is a species of ant in the genus Iridomyrmex. Described by Heterick and Shattuck in 2011, the ant is endemic to Australia, and the ants are known for its attraction to honey, and attends to lycaenid caterpillars and other Hemiptera that produces honey.[1]

Etymology

The name is said to be derived from Greek omalus, 'flat' and Latin notus, 'back', in reference to the appearance of a worker's propodeum.[1] The proper ancient Greek word for "flat" is however homalos (ὁμαλός) or homalēs (ὁμαλής).[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Shattuck. Brian E. Heterick & Steve. Revision of the ant genus Iridomyrmex (Hymenoptera : Formicidae). 2011. Magnolia Press. Auckland, N.Z.. 978-1-86977-676-3. 2 January 2015.
  2. Liddell, H.G. & Scott, R. (1940). A Greek-English Lexicon. revised and augmented throughout by Sir Henry Stuart Jones. with the assistance of. Roderick McKenzie. Oxford: Clarendon Press.