Myrmecophilus oregonensis

Distinguished from other Myrmecophilus species by geographic range: west of the Cascade Mountains from southern British Columbia through Oregon, Washington, and most of California. M. manni has similar range but extends from southern Washington through Nevada and Arizona. M. pergandei occurs east of the Rockies. M. nebrascensis ranges from southern California to Texas and north through eastern Colorado and Great Plains. Specific morphological distinguishing features for M. oregonensis not documented.

Small cricket, typically under 5 mm in length. Lacks ocelli (simple eyes); compound eyes reduced to small collection of facets. Possesses long, sensitive antennae and oversized cerci covered in sensory hairs that detect air currents. Body size varies according to host ant species. Coloration and detailed body structure not specifically documented for this species.

Subterranean; found within ant colonies. Host ant species not definitively identified for this species, though carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are plausible hosts given records for congeners.

West of the Cascade Mountains: southern British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and most of California. Distribution records also include Nevada.

Has been observed actively licking ants and nest walls, presumably feeding on oily secretions from host ant exoskeletons. Specific diet of M. oregonensis inferred from genus-level observations.

• Ants (Formicidae) - myrmecophilyLives within ant colonies; host species not definitively documented for M. oregonensis specifically

Remarkably agile, able to run away quickly from danger when threatened by host ants. Ants may attack or kill and eat the crickets despite their tolerance of the crickets' presence.

Myrmecophilous commensal or inquiline within ant colonies. Relationship with hosts not fully characterized; may be considered a pest by host ants.

• Myrmecophilus manniOverlapping range in southern Washington, Oregon, and California; distinguished by more southerly and interior distribution extending through Nevada and Arizona
• Myrmecophilus pergandeiEastern North American distribution; distinguished by range east of the Rocky Mountains from Maryland to Florida and west to Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas
• Myrmecophilus nebrascensisOverlapping range in California; distinguished by more easterly distribution through Great Plains from Texas to Nebraska and eastern Colorado

• myrmecophily
• subterranean
• western North America
• ant associate

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