Elaiosomes
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Aphaenogaster picea
Pitch-black Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster picea is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is known for its gut microbiome composition, which has been studied in relation to worker task behaviors and refuse pile interactions. The species is found at higher elevations in the eastern United States, particularly in Virginia, where it has been documented at 900–1000 meters above sea level. Workers exhibit task specialization without morphological subcastes, including nurse, forager, and refuse pile interaction roles.