How Do You Spell CEPHALOTES ATRATUS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛfɐlˌə͡ʊts ˈatɹatəs] (IPA)

Cephalotes atratus is a species of ant named after its dark coloring. Pronounced /səˈfælətiːz əˈtreɪtəs/ or "sef-uh-LOH-teez uh-TRAY-tuhs," the word is spelled with a combination of Latin and Greek root words. "Cephalotes" comes from the Greek word "kephalē," meaning head, and "atratus" comes from the Latin word "ater," meaning black. The phonetic transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, with emphasis on the second syllable of "cephalotes" and the first syllable of "atratus."

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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CEPHALOTES ATRATUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Cephalotes atratus is a species of ant belonging to the family Formicidae. This species is commonly known as the "turtle ant" due to the unique shape of its head resembling a turtle's carapace. C. atratus is mainly found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, particularly in dense rainforests and other wooded habitats.

    These ants are relatively large, measuring around 5-7 millimeters in length. Their bodies are predominantly black, and they possess strong, sharp mandibles that enable them to capture and process their food. They are known for their peculiar head shape, which is elongated and flattened, forming a distinctive shield-like structure. This adaptation is believed to serve various functions, including defense against predators and structural support for carrying heavy loads.

    C. atratus exhibits complex social behavior, living in large colonies comprising thousands of individuals. Their primary diet consists of nectar, honeydew, and small insects. These ants are arboreal and are often observed nesting in tree branches or hollow trunks. Their reproductive system involves a queen who lays eggs while workers and soldiers carry out various tasks within the colony.

    In terms of ecological significance, C. atratus plays a vital role in rainforest ecosystems by aiding in the dispersal of seeds. As they forage for food, these ants inadvertently transport seeds from one area to another, facilitating the growth of new plants and promoting forest regeneration.

    Overall, Cephalotes atratus is a unique ant species characterized by its distinct head shape and important ecological contributions in tropical rainforests.

Etymology of CEPHALOTES ATRATUS

The term "cephalotes atratus" is a binomial scientific name used to classify a species of ant commonly known as the "turtle ant".

The word "cephalotes" originates from the Greek words "kephalē" meaning "head" and "-otes" meaning "similar to" or "resembling". Hence, "cephalotes" refers to an organism with a head or body part similar to something else.

The term "atratus" is derived from the Latin word "atra" which means "black" or "dark-colored". Therefore, "cephalotes atratus" refers to a turtle ant species with a head or body part similar to a turtle and a dark-colored overall appearance.