Pseudomyrmex apache

Creighton, 1953

Apache Twig Ant

Pseudomyrmex apache is a of twig in the Pseudomyrmecinae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, with unconfirmed reports from Florida. The species is characterized by its golden yellow coloration and -like body form typical of the . Like other Pseudomyrmex species, it has notably large relative to body size.

Pseudomyrmex apache by (c) Jake Nitta, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake Nitta. Used under a CC-BY license.Pseudomyrmex apache by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Pseudomyrmex apache (16771232046) by Insects Unlocked . Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudomyrmex apache: /ˌsjuːdoʊˈmɜrmɛks əˈpætʃeɪ/

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

Identification

The golden yellow coloration and 5–8 mm body length help distinguish P. apache from darker or differently colored Pseudomyrmex . Definitive identification to species level requires examination of morphological characters, ideally by a . The species may be confused with other yellow Pseudomyrmex species in the same geographic region.

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Appearance

Golden yellow in color. measure 5–8 mm in overall length. Body form is elongate and -like, typical of the Pseudomyrmex. The possesses characteristically large .

Habitat

Arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Specific microhabitat preferences within this range have not been documented in detail.

Distribution

Southwestern United States, Mexico, and possibly Florida. The Florida record requires verification.

Behavior

As with other Pseudomyrmex , are active foragers on vegetation. The species exhibits the rapid, continuous movement typical of the .

Similar Taxa

  • Pseudomyrmex gracilisSimilar yellow coloration and body form, but P. gracilis is larger (10 mm+) and more pilose; petiole shape differs
  • Pseudomyrmex flavidulusSimilar small size and yellow-orange coloration; occurs in South America rather than southwestern North America

More Details

Taxonomic note

The was described by William Morton Creighton in 1953. The Pseudomyrmex contains approximately 209 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropics.

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Sources and further reading