Myrmecia

Definition

A genus name applied to two unrelated groups: (1) in entomology, the bulldog ants, a distinctive group of large, solitary-hunting ants in the subfamily Myrmeciinae (family Formicidae), characterized by excellent vision, powerful mandibles, and potent stings; and (2) in phycology, a genus of unicellular green algae (family Trebouxiaceae) commonly occurring as photobionts in lichen symbioses. The name derives from Greek myrmēx (ant), originally applied to the ant genus.

Etymology

From New Latin, derived from Ancient Greek μύρμηξ (múrmēx, "ant") + -ia, originally coined for the ant genus.

Example

Myrmecia pyriformis, the nocturnal bulldog ant, navigates using terrestrial cues and polarized moonlight to return to its nest after solitary foraging excursions.

Related Terms

• Myrmeciinae
• Formicidae
• Bulldog ant
• jack jumper ant
• Trebouxiaceae
• photobiont
• homonym

Usage Notes

Context usually clarifies which Myrmecia is intended; in entomological and myrmecological literature, Myrmecia without qualification refers to the ant genus. The algal genus is encountered primarily in lichenology and phycology. Both are valid under nomenclatural codes (ICZN for animals, ICNafp for algae). Several other historical uses of Myrmecia exist (including arachnid and plant genera now synonymized or discarded), so older literature may require taxonomic verification.