Cyphomyrmex wheeleri

Forel, 1900

Wheeler's Fungus-farming Ant, fungus gardening ant

Cyphomyrmex wheeleri is a fungus-farming in the Formicidae, described by Forel in 1900. This species cultivates a diverse array of fungi year-round, including Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium solani, and Nigrospora sphaerica. As a member of the Attini tribe, it represents one of the more derived fungus-growing ants within the Cyphomyrmex.

Cyphomyrmex wheeleri by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.Cyphomyrmex wheeleri by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.Cyphomyrmex wheeleri by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyphomyrmex wheeleri: /ˌsaɪfoʊˈmɜrmɛks ˈʍiːləri/

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Diet

Cultivates fungi as primary food source, specifically Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium solani, and Nigrospora sphaerica. The fungal cultivars are grown year-round on organic substrates collected by .

Ecological Role

Fungus creates a specialized mutualistic relationship with fungal , potentially influencing nutrient cycling through decomposition of collected plant material used as fungal substrate.

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Sources and further reading