Cyphomyrmex rimosus

(Spinola, 1851)

Rimose Fungus-farming Ant

Cyphomyrmex rimosus is a -growing in the tribe , to the Neotropics. It is a small, slow-moving that cultivates fungal gardens for food. Colonies are typically small, with fewer than 500 . Workers are known to feign death when disturbed, remaining immobile for extended periods.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyphomyrmex rimosus: /ˌsaɪfoʊˈmɪrmɛks ˈraɪmoʊsəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Cyphomyrmex by the combination of: dull, mostly unsculptured body; appressed, -like pilosity; broad frontal lobes concealing antennal sockets; and absence of on the first gastral . The rimosus group is morphologically cohesive within the .

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Habitat

Found in soil, rotting wood on the ground, and leaf litter. Also occupies dead decaying tree limbs, moss mats on tree trunks, and epiphytic pseudobulbs.

Distribution

to the Neotropics. Recorded from Colombia (including Valle del Cauca, Leticia, Montería, and Villavicencio), the Galápagos Islands, and other parts of South and Central America. may occur in some regions.

Diet

Obligate -grower; cultivates fungal gardens on which the colony feeds. The specific fungal is not documented for this .

Life Cycle

Colonies are small, probably not exceeding 500 and usually far fewer. Numerous females are often present within colonies but appear to be non-reproductive; the reproductive structure of colonies is not fully understood.

Behavior

are slow-moving and become immobile when disturbed, sometimes for several minutes. When , appendages are drawn close to the body, making the resemble a small particle of soil or debris.

Ecological Role

Contributes to through fungal and decomposition of matter in forest .

Human Relevance

Not a significant . May be encountered in agricultural or forested settings in its range. Has been to some areas outside its native range, including the Galápagos Islands.

Similar Taxa

  • Cyphomyrmex longiscapusBoth are -growing in the same , but C. longiscapus has longer and has been documented to flee from raiding ants rather than feign death.
  • Other Cyphomyrmex speciesC. rimosus belongs to the morphologically cohesive rimosus group, distinguished by the absence of on the first gastral and specific pilosity characteristics.

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Cyphomyrmex rimosus rimosus and Cyphomyrmex rimosus salvini.

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Cryptocerus rimosus by Spinola in 1851, later transferred to Cyphomyrmex.

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Sources and further reading