Glossary beginning with G
G
- gaster
Refers to the posterior-most body part that forms the apparent abdomen. Morphologically the gaster consists of abdominal segments 3–7 or 4-7 depending on whether there is a postpetiole.
- gaster armed with acidopore
A small circular opening or orifice at the tip of the gaster used to expel formic acid as part of the defensive and communication system. When present the acidopore is generally surrounded by a fringe of short hairs or setae and is easily seen. In a few species the fringe of hairs is lacking and the acidopore can be difficult to detect. This structure is found only in the subfamily Formicinae and occurs in all genera within this subfamily (Shattuck, 1994).
- gaster armed with sting
The tip of the gaster is armed with a stinging apparatus. Occasionally the sting is withdrawn inside the gaster making it difficult to see. Subfamilies with stings include Amblyoponinae, Cerapachyinae, Ectatomminae, Myrmicinae, Ponerinae and Pseudomyrmecinae. However, the character state is used in Antkey primarily to separate subfamilies with one waist segment (Amblyoponinae, Ectatomminae, Ponerinae) from Formicinae and Dolichoderinae.
- gaster armed with ventral slit
The tip of the gaster has a transverse slit-like incision capable of excreting chemicals used for defense and communication. This character separates Dolichoderinae from all other subfamilies of ants.
- gaster concolorous
The gaster is concolorous, uniform or nearly uniform in color, lacking both (1) dark transverse bands running near posterior margins of tergites that contrast with the rest of gaster and body, and (2) yellowish white spots on lateral portions of second tergite. Used in Antkey to separate Camponotus atriceps, Camponotus planatus and Camponotus rectangularis from Camponotus sexguttatus and Camponotus variegatus.
- gaster variegated
The gaster is variegated with dark transverse bands running near posterior margins of tergites that contrast with the paler yellow of the rest of gaster and body. Used in Antkey to separate Camponotus variegatus from all other Camponotus species.
- gaster with dense pubescence
The first gastral tergite is covered with dense pubescence, giving it a dull appearance. Used in Antkey to separate Brachymyrmex minutus and Brachymyrmex obscurior from Brachymyrmex heeri and Brachymyrmex patagonicus. Also used to separate Nylanderia bourbonica, Nylanderia fulva and Nylanderia vaga from all other Nylanderia species.
- gaster with first segment punctate (Strumigenys)
The first gastral segment is entirely punctate. Used in Antkey to separate Strumigenys eggersi from Strumigenys gundlachi.
- gaster with first segment smooth (Strumigenys)
The first gastral segment is smooth and lacking punctation over its entire surface. Used in Antkey to separate Strumigenys gundlachi from Strumigenys eggersi.
- gaster with sparse pubescence
The first gastral tergite is marked by only sparse pubescence, giving it a shiny appearance. Used in Antkey to separate Brachymyrmex heeri and Brachymyrmex patagonicus from Brachymyrmex minutus and Brachymyrmex obscurior. Also used to separate all other Nylanderia from Nylanderia bourbonica, Nylanderia fulva and Nylanderia vaga.
- gaster with white spots
The gaster with yellowish white spots on lateral portions of second tergite. Used in Antkey to separate Camponotus sexguttatus from all other Camponotus species.