Myrmicinae

Definition

A large subfamily of ants (Formicidae) characterized by a two-noded petiole, naked pupae lacking cocoons, and often retaining a functional sting. Myrmicinae includes approximately 140 extant genera with cosmopolitan distribution, occupying diverse nesting substrates from soil and rotting wood to arboreal habitats. The subfamily encompasses ecologically significant groups including fungus-growing ants (Attini), harvester ants, and the gliding ants of genus Cephalotes.

Etymology

From Myrmica, a genus of ants in this subfamily, + -inae (subfamily suffix)

Example

Leafcutter ants (Atta and Acromyrmex) and their relatives in the tribe Attini are myrmicines that cultivate fungal gardens, making this subfamily agriculturally and ecologically significant across the Neotropics.

Related Terms

• Formicidae
• petiole
• Attini
• Cephalotes
• sting
• pupa
• ant

Usage Notes

Myrmicinae is one of the most species-rich ant subfamilies. The two-noded petiole distinguishes myrmicines from most other ant subfamilies (e.g., Formicinae with one node, Ponerinae with one or two nodes but different overall morphology). The naked pupae contrast with those of some other ant groups that spin cocoons. The subfamily contains numerous tribes with diverse ecological specializations; specialist literature should be consulted for current tribal classification, which has undergone substantial revision with molecular phylogenetics.