Antchidna

The Antchidna, also known as the Egelmier, are cat-sized ants who are capable of complex pack behaviour.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Antchidnas mostly resemble regular ants, although many times larger and with some unusual features. The carapace on the back of their thorax is proportionally twice as wide as that of a regular ant and covered in hundreds of spiky protrusions. On their heads they have two sets of mandibles and an elongated clypeus. Because of their larger size and heavier weight antchidnas can only carry up to five times their own body weight, which falls on an average of 184 milligrams. They have a shoulder height of 25 centimetres and a length of 46 centimetres.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Unlike regular ants who live in colonies the antchidnas live in packs of up to five members instead. Antchidnas are not specialised from birth and as such still show the same sexual diversity seen in most species of none-social insect. All female antchidnas have retained the ability to give eggs and as such the pack does not have a queen. However every pack usually has one larger male, called the alpha or "King" of the pack.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

With the help of the pheromone glands on their abdomen the antchidna is capable of sending complex messages to the members of its pack. It spreads its pheromones through the air so that its fellow pack members can pick up the pheromones with the help of their antennae. Messages send through pheromones take only a second to send and can communicate to a fellow pack member the current position of the prey, the distance between the prey and the messenger, and any relevant traits of the prey such as size or if the prey is wounded. Through this method the antchidna can communicate all this with its pack members without its prey ever noticing.

Average Height

25 centimetres

Average Weight

184 milligrams

Average Length

46 centimetres