Cyphomyrmex

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Attini
Subtribe: Attina
Genus: Cyphomyrmex

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyphomyrmex: /ˌsaɪfoʊˈmɜrmɛks/

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

Images

Cyphomyrmex rimosus var. atrata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Cyphomyrmex muelleri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Cyphomyrmex rimosus trinitatis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Cyphomyrmex bicarinatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Cyphomyrmex rimosus curiapensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Cyphomyrmex is a genus of small, cryptic fungus-growing ants primarily found in South and Central America, known for their unique yeast gardens cultivated from fungi in the tribe Leucocoprineae. Colonies are relatively small, monogynous, and host a specialized relationship with their fungal gardens.

Physical Characteristics

The frontal carinae on the head form a shield, which is quite diagnostic for this genus. There are blunt tubercles lining the mesosoma. Species are divided into two complexes: strigatus (six or more teeth on mandibles) and rimosus (five teeth on mandibles).

Identification Tips

Look for the unique frontal carinae and the number of teeth on the mandibles to distinguish between the strigatus and rimosus complexes.

Habitat

Common nest sites include soil, under rotting logs, within hollow and dead twigs. Some species create swallow nest-like structures made of soil or clay that hang underneath overhangs. They can inhabit both moist and arid environments.

Distribution

Primarily found in South and Central America, with some species in the southern portion of North America, extending from Texas to California and east to Florida.

Diet

Primarily mycophagous, especially in larval stages. Workers also consume sugary substances obtained from foraging.

Life Cycle

Undergo complete metamorphosis, with larvae groomed by workers to promote fungal growth on their integument. Workers age out of nursing roles into foraging.

Reproduction

Typically monogynous colonies with a founding queen relying on fungal gardens for nutrients for the first generation of workers.

Predators

Specialized wasps in the family Diapriidae parasitize larvae and can lead to a significant mortality rate.

Ecosystem Role

Fungus cultivators that maintain a symbiotic relationship with the fungi they manage, contributing to nutrient cycling in their ecosystems.

Evolution

More basal within the phylogenetic relationship of attine ants, with a sister relationship to Mycetophylax.