Pallid Twig Ant

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudomyrmex pallidus: /ˌpseudɔˈmɪrmɛks ˈpælɪdəs/

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Summary

Pseudomyrmex pallidus, also known as the Pallid Twig Ant, is a species of ant found primarily in the southern United States and Central America, known for its distinctive nesting in hollow plant stems and facultatively polygynous colony structure.

Physical Characteristics

Workers are yellow, orange, or brown with large eyes, short antennal scapes, and a well-developed sting. Head widths measure 0.68–0.89 millimeters. The head surface is shiny due to lack of fine hairs. Both virgin female and male reproductives are winged. Mated queens can be identified by scars on their thorax and distended gasters. Males are dark brown with curved antennae and small heads.

Identification Tips

Workers are monomorphic; look for shiny heads and the size of entrance holes (1-2 mm) on hollow stems.

Habitat

Nests are found in hollow stems of dead grasses, often at the intersection of grassy and wooded habitats. They prefer herbaceous plants but will use dead stems of woody twigs as well. Nests can be plugged by workers to protect brood.

Distribution

Found in the Nearctic realm, ranging from the southern United States to Central America.

Diet

Colonies consume floral secretions such as nectar, dead insects, and possibly insect prey. No food stores are maintained in nests; food is fed directly to nestmates and larvae.

Life Cycle

Colony structure is facultatively polygynous with 1–15 queens and 20–200 workers. Workers and reproductive females are produced year-round, while males are seasonal, appearing only in summer and fall.

Reproduction

Reproductive females can be collected year-round indicating mating occurs in multiple seasons.

Tags

• ant
• Pseudomyrmex pallidus
• hymenoptera
• nearctic
• insect