Subfamily Ectioninae Army Ants Compiled by Hilda Taylor
Subfamily Ectioninae Army Ants Compiled by Hilda Taylor Petiole & Postpetiole Tiny Eyes Ecitoninae (Army Ants) Descriptive Characteristics: Habitat: - Large ants - Live in the ground - Tiny eyes (at most one ommatidium) - From southern US to Brazil - Petiole and postpetiole present (includes all 3 genera) - Fully exposed antennal sockets with surrounding semicircular ridges - Weakly to strongly polymorphic Behavior: - Nomadic group raiders
Genus Eciton Army Ants Descriptive Characteristics: -Toothed tarsal claws - Prodopodium spines or flanges present - Relatively long, thin antennal scapes - Polymorphic: = Soldiers have long mandibles = Workers do not have long mandibles, resemble Neivamyrmex workers Habitat: - Range from southern Mexico to Brazil - Live in the ground Behavior: - Aggressive, bite and sting
Genus Labidus Army Ants Rounded angle Descriptive Characteristics: -Toothed tarsal claws (front, mid & hind legs) - Propodium is rounded - No prodorsal spines - Strongly polymorphic - Redish color - Soldiers do not have long mandibles - Shinny heads Habitat: - Southern Texas, possible southern Arizona Mexico - Forests - Live in the ground Behavior: - Aggressive, bite and sting
Genus Neivamyrmex Army Ants Angle, tooth or ridge (carina) Descriptive Characteristics: -Simple tarsal claws (front, mid & hind legs) -No propodeal spines -Angle, tooth or carina (ridge) on propodeal -Polymorphic -Red and black head (? ) Habitat: - Southern US Behavior: - Moderately aggressive, bite and sting
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