Breviceps-complex
Guides
Polyergus topoffi
Topoff's Amazon Ant
Polyergus topoffi is a dulotic (slave-making) ant species described in 2013 as part of a global revision of the genus Polyergus. It belongs to the rufescens group, informally termed the breviceps complex, which comprises American species within this otherwise Palaearctic-centered group. Like all Polyergus species, it is an obligatory social parasite dependent on host colonies of Formica ants for survival, as its workers cannot feed themselves or excavate nests. The species is one of five newly described in the 2013 revision based on morphometric, ecological, host-association, and biogeographic characteristics.
Polyergus vinosus
Wine-red Amazon Ant
Polyergus vinosus is a species of slave-making ant in the genus Polyergus, described in 2013 as part of a global revision of the genus. It belongs to the rufescens group, informally known as the breviceps complex, and is one of five new species described in that revision. Like all Polyergus species, it is an obligatory social parasite that relies on host colonies of Formica ants for survival, as it cannot feed itself or excavate nests.