Neivamyrmex swainsonii

(Shuckard, 1840)

Swainson's Legionary Ant

Neivamyrmex swainsonii is a of legionary ant in the Formicidae, native to South America. It belongs to the Neivamyrmex, which comprises nomadic army ants known for raiding the nests of other species. The species exhibits the typical legionary ant lifestyle: colonies are nomadic during active periods, with foraging nocturnally in groups to prey on larvae and pupae of other ants. Like other Neivamyrmex species, N. swainsonii is associated with specialized myrmecophilous beetles, particularly clown beetles in the Hetaeriinae that live as guests within ant colonies.

Neivamyrmex swainsonii by (c) Gordon C. Snelling, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gordon C. Snelling. Used under a CC-BY license.Neivamyrmex swainsonii by (c) Gordon C. Snelling, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gordon C. Snelling. Used under a CC-BY license.Neivamyrmex swainsonii casent0005336 dorsal 2 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neivamyrmex swainsonii: /ˌnaɪvəˈmɜrmɛks sweɪnˈsoʊniaɪ/

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Distribution

Recorded from Brazil across multiple states including Amazonas (AM), Bahia (BA), Distrito Federal (DF), Goiás (GO), Minas Gerais (MG), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Mato Grosso (MT), Pará (PA), Paraná (PR), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Rondônia (RO), Roraima (RR), and São Paulo (SP).

Diet

Preys on larvae and pupae of other .

Behavior

Exhibits nomadic colony with periodic emigrations. are primarily subterranean and foragers, conducting group raids on other nests. Colonies become sedentary during winter months.

Ecological Role

As a legionary ant, functions as an apex of other colonies, potentially regulating ant structure. Serves as for specialized myrmecophilous beetles.

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