The funny little ants of the genus Calyptomyrmex are among the least studied, and scientists know them from single specimens carefully preserved in museums.
Their entire body is covered with groups of short hairs, which at first glance resemble parasitic ticks that have sucked on them. And for some reason, when looking at this ant, there is a persistent association with a strawberry covered with seeds.
The function of the hairs, alas, is still unknown. Calyptomyrmex also have an interesting head structure: the indentations on the sides of the head are designed to completely accommodate the folded antennae. Apparently, this serves to protect against predators, because like many other secretive and slow ants, they can hide and press themselves to the ground so as not to be detected.
Calyptomyrmex nests are usually located shallowly in natural cavities created in the damp litter of tropical forests in Africa, Asia and Australia.
