Myrmelachistini

Myrmelachistini is distinguished from the related tribe Plagiolepidini by molecular phylogenetic data and specific morphological characters. Brachymyrmex species are small, monomorphic ants with 9-segmented antennae and reduced palp formula. Myrmelachista species are similarly small with reduced eyes and a distinctive compact mesosoma. Both genera lack the enlarged metapleural gland orifice seen in some other formicine tribes.

Species in Myrmelachistini occur across the Neotropical region, with Brachymyrmex extending into the Nearctic and Myrmelachista ranging from southern North America through Central and South America. Some Brachymyrmex species have been introduced to other regions.

Brachymyrmex species (rover ants) are occasionally considered nuisance pests when they enter structures. Some species have been introduced outside their native ranges, though impacts appear limited. Myrmelachista species are known for their associations with plants, including some cases of cultivation of scale insects, though specific economic impacts are not well documented.

• PlagiolepidiniMyrmelachistini was historically synonymized under Plagiolepidini and shares general formicine morphology; molecular data and specific character states now separate the two tribes.
• Brachymyrmex (when identifying to genus)Small size and reduced morphology can cause confusion with other small formicine genera such as Paratrechina or some Nylanderia, though antennal segmentation and palp formula differ.

• ants
• Formicinae
• Neotropical
• resurrected taxon

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life