Rover ants

Brachymyrmex

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Formicinae
Tribe: Myrmelachistini
Genus: Brachymyrmex

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brachymyrmex: //ˌbræk.hɪˈmɜːr.mɛks//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Brachymyrmex depilis flavescens by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Brachymyrmex cavernicola by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Brachymyrmex gagates by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Brachymyrmex, commonly known as rover ants, is a genus of small, minute ants characterized by their unique 9-segmented antennae and simple morphology. They inhabit a range of environments across North America and have species in other parts of the world, especially in urban areas.

Physical Characteristics

Minute formicine ants with 9-segmented antennae; typically 2mm or less in total worker length.

Identification Tips

Characterized by 9-segmented antennae that are fewer than most ants, and the petiole concealed by the gaster in dorsal view.

Habitat

Subterranean in mesic, wooded microhabitats; found in leaf litter or under trash and rotten wood in disturbed, partly wooded sites.

Distribution

Mainly Neotropical distribution, ranging from the United States to Argentina and Chile, including Caribbean islands. Some species introduced to Japan and Madagascar.

Diet

Feeds largely on honeydew from subterranean, sap-feeding hemipterans; introduced species forage on leaf litter and low vegetation for honeydew, fresh bird droppings, dead insects, etc.

Life Cycle

Limited information; known mating flights occur in August or September for B. depilis, and introduced species may fly any time of year in warm and humid weather, often after rain.

Reproduction

Mating flights observed in the late summer; specific reproductive strategies not detailed for all species.

Ecosystem Role

Contributes to the decomposition process and nutrient cycling through their feeding behavior and nest construction in the soil.

Economic Impact

Introduced species can impact urban environments; specifics on economic impact unknown.

Evolution

This genus has undergone limited taxonomic revision since the first complete description by Santschi in 1923, with various studies proposing adjustments based on morphological and molecular factors.