Subspecies
A number of "varieties" have been described, but most of these are currently regarded as bonae species.
Synonyms
Formica coarctata Latreille, 1802
Ponera coarctata (Latreille, 1802)
Formica contracta Latreille, 1802
Ponera contracta (Latreille, 1802)
Identification
No information has been entered yet.
Distribution
Older records of this species are unclear, because before 2003 the name
"Ponera coarctata" was also used for Ponera testacea. Confirmed records
of Ponera coarctata are from Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy,
Romania,
Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland, and thus the species is probably
widespread in Europe.
Also recorded from northern Africa (Morocco, Tunisia).
Biology
A predominantly subterranean species. Feeds on smaller soil arthropods (e.g. collembolans, mites).
The nest is built underground, usually under stones or moss pads, in a
variety of soil types and habitats, however, a preference for dry and
warm locations exists. There are a few reports of nests under loose tree
bark. Nest size is usually small, comprising only about 30 individuals.
The winged sexual form is present in August and September.