Honeypot-ant
Guides
Myrmecocystus
North American Honeypot Ants, Honeypot Ants
Myrmecocystus is a North American genus of Formicinae ants comprising approximately 30 described species across three subgenera (Myrmecocystus, Endiodioctes, and Eremnocystus). The genus is one of five globally that exhibits the honeypot ant syndrome, in which specialized workers called repletes store large quantities of liquid food in their distended abdomens. These living food reserves sustain colonies during periods of resource scarcity. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate that none of the three subgenera are monophyletic, suggesting repeated convergent evolution of key morphological and behavioral traits.
Myrmecocystus kennedyi
Kennedyi-group Honeypot Ants
Myrmecocystus kennedyi is a species of honeypot ant in the subgenus Endiodioctes, first described by Snelling in 1969. The species is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States and western Mexico. Like other honeypot ants, this species is characterized by specialized replete workers that store liquid food in their distended abdomens. The species has been documented as a host for myrmecophilous beetles in the genus Cremastocheilus.
Myrmecocystus mendax
honey ant, honeypot ant
Myrmecocystus mendax is a species of honeypot ant native to Mexico and the Southwestern United States. The species exhibits notable intraspecific variation in social organization: populations in the Sierra Ancha Mountains of central Arizona display primary polygyny with cooperative colony founding by multiple unrelated queens, while Chiricahua Mountains populations are predominantly monogynous with single-queen founding. Mature colonies in polygynous populations contain an average of 6.27 queens. The species produces specialized replete workers that serve as living food storage vessels.
Myrmecocystus mexicanus
Mexican Honeypot Ant, Mexican Honey Ant
Myrmecocystus mexicanus is a North American honeypot ant notable for its specialized replete workers that store liquid food in their distended abdomens. The species exhibits obligate myrmecophagy through its close association with harvester ant colonies, which provide carrion as a primary food source. Colonies are long-lived, averaging 8.9 years with maximum lifespans of 23 years. Nuptial flights occur in late July following rainfall, with queens founding new colonies in open, sun-exposed locations.
Myrmecocystus mimicus
Mimicus Honeypot Ant
Myrmecocystus mimicus is a North American species of honeypot ant in the genus Myrmecocystus, described by Wheeler in 1908. The species is widely distributed across the southwestern and central United States and into Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the specialized honeypot behavior where certain workers serve as living food storage vessels. The species is part of the Mimicus-flaviceps group of honeypot ants.
Myrmecocystus placodops
Myrmecocystus placodops is a species of honeypot ant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. As a member of the genus Myrmecocystus, it likely exhibits the characteristic replete caste—specialized workers that store liquid food in their distended abdomens. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1908. Like other honeypot ants, colonies are subterranean and may be targeted by specialized myrmecophilous beetles such as Cremastocheilus scarabs.
Myrmecocystus semirufus
Myrmecocystus semirufus is a species of honeypot ant in the subfamily Formicinae, native to arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. As a member of the genus Myrmecocystus, this species possesses the characteristic replete caste—specialized workers that store liquid food in their distended abdomens. The species was described by Carlo Emery in 1893 and occurs from the western United States through Baja California and Sonora, Mexico.
Myrmecocystus testaceus
Brick Honeypot Ant
Myrmecocystus testaceus is a nocturnal ant species native to the southern United States, commonly known as the Brick Honeypot Ant. As a member of the genus Myrmecocystus, it possesses the distinctive replete caste—specialized workers that store liquid food in their greatly distended abdomens, serving as living food reserves for the colony. The species nests in sandy soils and has been documented as a host for the myrmecophilous beetle Cremastocheilus.
Myrmecocystus wheeleri
Wheeler's Honeypot Ant
Myrmecocystus wheeleri is a species of honeypot ant native to arid regions of California, Baja California, and Coahuila. Like other members of the genus, it possesses specialized workers called repletes that store liquid carbohydrates in their distended crops for long-term colony sustenance. The species has been documented to host a gut microbiome dominated by halophiles, distinguishing it from congeners that harbor lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria in their replete crops.