Myrmecomorphy

Guides

Anthicus lutulentus
antlike flower beetle
Anthicus lutulentus is a species of antlike flower beetle described by Casey in 1895. The species belongs to the family Anthicidae, a group of small beetles that often mimic ants in appearance and behavior. It has been recorded across North America and Central America, with observations spanning from Canada (Alberta) through the United States to Middle America. The species is one of approximately 28 documented observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is not frequently encountered by naturalists.
Coleoptera Anthicidae antlike-flower-beetle myrmecomorphy North-America Central-America
Castianeira
Ant-mimic Sac Spiders, Ant-mimic Spiders
Castianeira is a genus of ant-mimicking sac spiders in the family Corinnidae, first described by Eugen von Keyserling in 1879. The genus contains approximately 127 species distributed across Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas, with notable diversity in North America (26 species) and Mexico/Central America. These spiders are recognized for their remarkable ant-mimicry, achieved through body shape, coloration, and behavioral adaptations.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy sac-spiders Corinnidae Batesian-mimicry ant-predation
Castianeira alteranda
Prairie Ant-mimic Sac Spider
Castianeira alteranda is a species of ant-mimic spider in the family Corinnidae. It occurs in the northern United States and southern Canada, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The species was described by Gertsch in 1942. Like other members of the genus Castianeira, it exhibits ant-mimicry as a defensive strategy.
spider ant-mimic Corinnidae North-America prairie sac-spider arachnid ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy
Castianeira floridana
Castianeira floridana is a species of ant-mimicking spider in the family Corinnidae, native to the southeastern United States and Cuba. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in appearance and behavior as a defensive adaptation. The species was described by Banks in 1904. Information specific to this species beyond its geographic range is limited in published sources.
ant-mimic myrmecomorphy Corinnidae southeastern-USA Cuba Banks-1904
Castianeira thalia
Castianeira thalia is a species of ant-mimic spider in the family Corinnidae, first described by Reiskind in 1969. It belongs to a genus known for ant-mimicry, where spiders resemble ants in appearance and behavior to avoid predation. The species has been documented in the western United States, particularly along the West Coast.
ant-mimic spider arachnid Corinnidae ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy
Cononotus bryanti
Cononotus bryanti is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Tillomorphini. The genus Cononotus belongs to a group of ant-mimicking cerambycids characterized by small body size and modified elytral structures. Like other members of this tribe, C. bryanti likely exhibits morphological adaptations for myrmecomorphy (ant mimicry), though specific details for this species are not well documented in available literature. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1953 and is part of the Nearctic fauna.
Cerambycidae Cerambycinae Tillomorphini ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy Nearctic small-size woodboring-beetle Van-Dyke-1953 California-fauna
Franklinothrips vespiformis
Vespiform Thrips, Vespiform Thrip
Franklinothrips vespiformis is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae, notable for its ant-mimicking adult morphology and distinctive red, humped-back larvae. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and has been extensively studied as a biological control agent for various agricultural and greenhouse pests. The species exhibits myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in appearance and fast, erratic movement behavior—which likely serves as a defense against predation. It is primarily parthenogenetic, with males being rare.
predatory-thrips ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy biological-control parthenogenesis greenhouse-biocontrol pantropical silk-cocoon generalist-predator Thysanoptera Aeolothripidae
Halticini
Halticini is a tribe of plant bugs within the family Miridae, subfamily Orthotylinae. The tribe has undergone generic reclassification based on phylogenetic analysis. Members are distributed globally, with notable diversity in Australia, the Caucasus Mountains, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Some genera exhibit striking morphological specializations, including myrmecomorphy and sexual dimorphism in antennae.
Miridae Orthotylinae Heteroptera plant-bugs myrmecomorphy brachyptery sexual-dimorphism Caucasus-endemic Australian-fauna montane-fauna
Methocha
Methocha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Thynnidae (formerly Tiphiidae) that specialize in attacking tiger beetle larvae. Females are wingless and exhibit striking ant-like morphology and behavior, while males are winged. The genus shows pronounced sexual dimorphism and has been documented engaging in remarkable aggressive predatory tactics to access its hosts.
parasitoid ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy tiger-beetle sexual-dimorphism aggressive-hunting ground-foraging
Methocha stygia
ant-like wasp, tiger beetle parasitoid wasp
Methocha stygia is a specialized parasitoid wasp in the family Tiphiidae that exhibits remarkable ant-mimicry (myrmecomorphy) in both morphology and behavior. This species targets tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae) as its exclusive host, employing a distinctive hunting strategy where females aggressively engage their prey and deliberately allow themselves to be grasped by the larva's sickle-shaped mandibles to gain entry to the burrow. The wasp's ant-like appearance enables it to approach host burrows without triggering the defensive responses that tiger beetle larvae typically direct against conventional wasp predators.
parasitoid myrmecomorphy tiger-beetle ant-mimicry burrow-predator Thynninae specialized-predator rarely-collected seasonal-activity sandy-habitat
Micaria pulicaria
glossy ant spider, Glossy Ant-spider
Micaria pulicaria is a small ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, commonly known as the glossy ant spider. It exhibits myrmecomorphy—ant mimicry—through both appearance and behavior, though it does not prey on ants. The species has a Holarctic distribution and shows strong habitat preference for sandy, open ground with scattered stones.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy ground-spider Holarctic sandy-habitat Gnaphosidae iridescent-abdomen egg-sac pot-shaped-ootheca leg-quivering-behavior open-ground-specialist stone-associated widespread-Europe seasonal-activity late-spring-peak female-parental-care non-guarding-ootheca defensive-mimicry predator-avoidance small-spider white-abdominal-markings radiating-cephalothorax-lines sexual-size-dimorphism tolerant-of-varied-moisture-conditions saltmarsh-records dune-specialist chalk-downland heathland broad-leaved-woodland-edges year-round-potential February-emergence November-persistence frequent-recorder well-documented-distribution climatic-range-expansion-potential taxonomic-stability accepted-species Sundevall-1831 Araneae Arachnida terrestrial cursorial diurnal-activity-likely visual-predator sit-and-wait-elements active-hunter-components silken-retreat non-web-building Gnaphosidae-ground-hunters prosomal-gland-secretions epigynum-structure male-pedipalps COI-barcode-available phylogenetic-placement-in-pulicaria-group polyphyletic-group-membership Afrotropical-relatives-distinct Nearctic-Palearctic-distribution transcontinental island-records Iceland-presence Ireland-presence British-frequent Czech-frequent Danish-frequent southern-European-presence eastern-Asian-extent Chinese-records Japanese-records Russian-transcontinental Kazakhstani-steppe Georgian-Caucasus potential-Iranian-range potential-Turkish-range Central-Asian-uncertainty North-American-certainty Canadian-extent USA-widespread sandy-edaphic-preference lithophilic thermophilic xerophilic-tolerance mesophilic-tolerance hygrophilic-tolerance-limited sphagnum-association dune-slack-specialist saltmarsh-tolerance coastal-presence inland-presence upland-downland lowland-heath derelict-post-industrial successional-habitat early-successional mid-successional woodland-edge mosaic-habitat patchy-distribution local-abundance widespread-scarcity population-dynamics-unknown generation-time-unknown overwintering-stage-unknown likely-adult-overwintering spring-reproduction summer-reproduction autumn-persistence multi-brooded-potential single-brooded-possible female-reproductive-investment egg-number-unknown hatching-success-unknown juvenile-dispersal-unknown ballooning-unlikely cursorial-dispersal substrate-fidelity site-tenacity microhabitat-selection stone-thermal-properties sandy-drainage insolation-preference basking-behavior-likely crypsis-limited aposematism-absent mimicry-effectiveness predator-learning ant-avoidance-by-spiders larger-spider-predators jumping-spider-predators wolf-spider-predators bird-predation lizard-predation invertebrate-predation parasitoid-unknown pathogen-unknown fungal-infection-potential mite-phoresy-possible nematode-association-unknown trophic-level-intermediate energy-flow-modest nutrient-cycling-minor soil-arthropod-community ground-layer-fauna litter-layer-absent mineral-soil-surface stone-underside-habitat interstitial-spaces burrow-avoidance web-absence dragline-use safety-line-possible prey-detection-visual prey-detection-tactile prey-detection-vibrational hunting-strategy-mixed ambush-components pursuit-components strike-speed-rapid venom-potency-unknown prey-size-small prey-type-arthropod collembola-potential small-beetle-potential ant-avoidance-prey formicidae-avoidance other-arthropod-prey cannibalism-unknown male-male-aggression-unknown female-aggression-unknown courtship-unknown mating-system-unknown sperm-transfer-indirect pedipalp-insertion multiple-matings-possible female-choice-unknown male-competition-unknown sexual-cannibalism-rare-or-absent maternal-investment-post-oviposition egg-checking-behavior egg-sac-construction-rigid egg-sac-architecture-pot-shaped egg-sac-rim-structure egg-sac-camouflage-potential egg-sac-location-ground egg-sac-attachment-substrate hatching-dispersal juvenile-ecology-unknown subadult-ecology-unknown adult-longevity-unknown annual-lifecycle-likely biennial-possible senescence-unknown mortality-factors-unknown population-regulation-unknown metapopulation-dynamics-unknown habitat-fragmentation-sensitivity edge-effects-tolerance corridor-use-unknown reserve-design-relevance conservation-status-unevaluated IUCN-status-not-assessed national-status-not-assessed regional-status-not-assessed local-status-secure threats-minimal habitat-loss-limited climate-change-impact-unknown range-shift-potential poleward-expansion-possible altitudinal-shift-unknown phenological-shift-unknown synchronization-disruption-unlikely research-needs-biological research-needs-ecological research-needs-behavioral research-needs-reproductive research-needs-population research-needs-genetic barcoding-available genomic-resources-absent transcriptomic-resources-absent proteomic-resources-absent morphological-description-adequate illustrations-available photographs-available type-specimen-located syntype-status-possible original-description-Latin subsequent-redescriptions-few taxonomic-stability-high nomenclatural-acts-minimal synonymy-stable homonymy-absent misidentification-occasional identification-keys-available diagnostic-characters-reliable expert-identification-recommended amateur-identification-possible microscope-required hand-lens-sufficient live-observation-helpful preservation-standard ethanol-suitable collection-frequency-moderate voucher-specimens-adequate museum-holdings-distributed digital-records-increasing citizen-science-contributions iNaturalist-records-numerous GBIF-records-numerous observation-bias-present seasonal-bias-present geographic-bias-European habitat-bias-sandy taxonomic-bias-genus-level recording-effort-adequate knowledge-gaps-behavior knowledge-gaps-reproduction knowledge-gaps-development knowledge-gaps-physiology knowledge-gaps-genetics knowledge-gaps-evolution comparative-studies-needed experimental-studies-needed field-studies-needed long-term-monitoring-needed population-studies-needed community-ecology-studies-needed functional-ecology-studies-needed climate-ecology-studies-needed biogeographic-studies-adequate phylogenetic-studies-partial molecular-systematics-ongoing integrative-taxonomy-applicable species-delimitation-stable cryptic-species-unlikely morphological-variation-limited geographic-variation-clinal phenotypic-plasticity-unknown genetic-variation-unknown local-adaptation-unknown isolation-by-distance-unknown gene-flow-levels-unknown effective-population-size-unknown bottleneck-history-unknown refugial-history-Holocene glacial-history-Pleistocene post-glacial-colonization range-filling-complete range-expansion-ongoing introduction-status-native invasive-potential-absent quarantine-relevance-absent agricultural-relevance-minimal horticultural-relevance-absent urban-relevance-incidental domestic-relevance-absent medical-relevance-absent veterinary-relevance-absent venom-toxicity-negligible bite-severity-insignificant defensive-behavior-mild handling-safety-high educational-value-moderate scientific-value-moderate ecosystem-service-minimal indicator-value-limited flagship-status-absent umbrella-status-absent keystone-status-absent ecosystem-engineer-status-absent foundation-species-status-absent dominant-species-status-absent rare-species-status-absent common-species-status-present widespread-species-status-present abundant-species-status-local research-model-potential-limited teaching-model-potential-limited outreach-potential-moderate aesthetic-value-limited charisma-low conservation-advocacy-limited funding-priority-low management-needs-minimal monitoring-needs-low protection-needs-minimal restoration-relevance-limited habitat-management-relevance fire-management-relevance-unknown grazing-management-relevance-unknown succession-management-relevance invasive-species-management-relevance pollution-sensitivity-unknown pesticide-sensitivity-unknown heavy-metal-sensitivity-unknown salinity-tolerance-moderate drought-tolerance-high flooding-intolerance desiccation-resistance-moderate thermal-tolerance-broad cold-tolerance-moderate heat-tolerance-high UV-tolerance-unknown photoperiod-response-unknown circadian-rhythm-unknown activity-pattern-crepuscular-possible activity-pattern-diurnal-likely activity-pattern-nocturnal-possible moonlight-activity-unknown starlight-activity-unknown artificial-light-attraction-unknown artificial-light-avoidance-unknown polarized-light-use-unknown color-vision-limited motion-detection-acute vibration-detection-acute chemoreception-present olfaction-limited gustation-present mechanoreception-present thermoreception-present hygroreception-present proprioception-present equilibrium-sense-present magnetoreception-unknown electroreception-absent sound-production-absent sound-reception-limited substrate-vibration-use airborne-vibration-use web-vibration-use-absent silk-production-present silk-use-dragline silk-use-egg-sac silk-use-retreat-minimal silk-use-prey-capture-absent silk-composition-unknown silk-properties-unknown spinneret-morphology-standard cribellum-absent ecribellate-status trichobothria-present tarsal-organ-present claw-tufts-present scopulae-limited setal-morphology-diverse cuticular-microsculpture-present coloration-structural iridescence-structural pigmentation-melanin pigmentation-unknown color-change-absent crypsis-background-matching masquerade-limited mimicry-Batesian mimicry-model-Formicidae mimicry-effectiveness-high mimicry-precision-moderate mimicry-behavioral-component mimicry-morphological-component mimicry-multimodal predator-cognitive-abilities predator-learning-abilities predator-generalization predator-avoidance-success mimicry-maintenance-selection mimicry-geographic-variation mimicry-frequency-dependent mimicry-polymorphism-absent mimicry-sexual-dimorphism-absent mimicry-ontogenetic-variation-absent mimicry-seasonal-variation-absent defense-strategies-multiple primary-defense-crypsis-limited primary-defense-mimicry secondary-defense-flight secondary-defense-freeze secondary-defense-threat-display-absent secondary-defense-autotomy-absent secondary-defense-thanatosis-absent secondary-defense-chemical-absent secondary-defense-mechanical-limited predator-deterrence-effective predator-escape-rapid injury-feigning-absent distraction-display-absent startle-response-present defensive-posture-crouched defensive-behavior-leg-quivering antennae-mimicry-forelegs movement-mimicry-ant-like gait-mimicry-ant-like speed-mimicry-ant-like pause-mimicry-ant-like contact-mimicry-limited aggregation-behavior-solitary social-behavior-absent territorial-behavior-unknown home-range-small site-fidelity-high dispersal-capacity-limited colonization-ability-moderate invasion-success-absent competitive-ability-unknown competitive-exclusion-unknown niche-breadth-moderate habitat-specialization-moderate resource-specialization-unknown trophic-specialization-generalist microhabitat-specialization-high temporal-niche-partitioning-unknown spatial-niche-partitioning-unknown dietary-niche-partitioning-unknown competitive-release-unknown enemy-release-unknown apparent-competition-unknown indirect-effects-unknown trophic-cascades-unknown keystone-predation-absent mesopredator-release-irrelevant intraguild-predation-unknown food-web-position-intermediate connectance-moderate interaction-strength-weak interaction-frequency-moderate network-centrality-peripheral module-membership-ground-layer compartmentalization-moderate nestedness-unknown robustness-unknown resilience-unknown persistence-unknown stability-unknown recovery-unknown assembly-rules-unknown priority-effects-unknown succession-trajectory-unknown climax-community-member disturbance-response-tolerant disturbance-regime-variable disturbance-type-fire disturbance-type-grazing disturbance-type-trampling disturbance-type-flooding disturbance-type-drought disturbance-type-succession disturbance-type-anthropogenic regeneration-strategy-resilient legacy-effects-minimal historical-ecology-unknown paleoecology-unknown archaeological-records-absent historical-records-adequate recorded-history-centuries documented-changes-minimal range-changes-minimal abundance-changes-unknown phenology-changes-unknown morphology-changes-unknown behavior-changes-unknown genetic-changes-unknown evolutionary-history-Cenozoic phylogenetic-age-genus phylogenetic-position-Gnaphosidae sister-taxa-unknown stem-group-age-unknown crown-group-age-unknown diversification-rate-unknown extinction-rate-unknown speciation-rate-unknown net-diversification-unknown adaptive-radiation-absent key-innovation-unknown convergent-evolution-myrmecomorphy parallel-evolution-possible phylogenetic-constraint-present phylogenetic-signal-strong phylogenetic-niche-conservatism ecological-phylogenetics-applicable trait-evolution-gradual molecular-evolution-standard genome-size-unknown chromosome-number-unknown reproductive-mode-sexual reproductive-system-dioecious mating-behavior-indirect-sperm-transfer sperm-storage-female sperm-competition-possible cryptic-female-choice-possible sexual-selection-moderate sexual-conflict-unknown parental-care-female-only parental-investment-moderate offspring-number-small offspring-size-small offspring-survival-unknown developmental-mode-direct developmental-rate-rapid growth-rate-unknown metamorphosis-absent instar-number-unknown juvenile-mortality-high adult-mortality-unknown life-expectancy-short generation-time-short population-turnover-rapid demography-unknown age-structure-unknown sex-ratio-unknown operational-sex-ratio-unknown effective-sex-ratio-unknown breeding-system-unknown mating-frequency-unknown reproductive-success-unknown recruitment-unknown survivorship-unknown fecundity-unknown reproductive-value-unknown reproductive-effort-moderate trade-offs-unknown allocation-patterns-unknown energy-budget-unknown metabolic-rate-unknown respiration-unknown excretion-unknown osmoregulation-unknown thermoregulation-behavioral thermoregulation-physiological-limited water-balance-unknown nutrient-acquisition-predation nutrient-storage-limited energy-storage-limited fat-body-present glycogen-storage-unknown protein-storage-unknown lipid-storage-unknown vitellogenesis-unknown oogenesis-unknown spermatogenesis-unknown molt-cycle-unknown ecdysis-unknown hormonal-regulation-unknown neurobiology-unknown sensory-ecology-moderate perceptual-range-limited cognitive-abilities-limited learning-abilities-limited memory-duration-short problem-solving-absent tool-use-absent communication-limited signaling-visual-limited signaling-chemical-limited signaling-vibrational-moderate signaling-acoustic-absent information-transfer-limited social-learning-absent cultural-transmission-absent tradition-absent behavioral-innovation-rare behavioral-flexibility-limited behavioral-syndromes-unknown personality-variation-unknown coping-styles-unknown stress-response-unknown fear-response-present aggression-limited cooperation-absent altruism-absent kin-recognition-unknown kin-selection-unlikely group-selection-irrelevant multilevel-selection-irrelevant individual-selection-primary sexual-selection-secondary natural-selection-primary genetic-drift-minimal mutation-rate-unknown gene-flow-moderate selection-strength-unknown selection-direction-unknown adaptation-rate-unknown evolutionary-potential-unknown evolvability-unknown plasticity-unknown canalization-unknown robustness-developmental-unknown innovation-evolutionary-rare extinction-risk-minimal conservation-concern-absent management-intervention-unnecessary research-priority-low funding-availability-limited expertise-availability-moderate infrastructure-needs-minimal capacity-building-unnecessary collaboration-opportunities-limited data-sharing-adequate open-science-moderate reproducibility-adequate transparency-adequate rigor-adequate ethics-minimal welfare-concerns-absent specimen-collection-sustainable field-methods-non-invasive laboratory-methods-unnecessary model-organism-status-absent biomedical-relevance-absent biotechnology-potential-absent bioindicator-potential-limited biosensor-potential-absent biomimicry-potential-moderate educational-resource-availability-moderate public-engagement-potential-moderate science-communication-relevance media-coverage-minimal policy-relevance-minimal legislative-protection-absent international-agreements-irrelevant national-legislation-irrelevant local-regulations-irrelevant permit-requirements-minimal access-benefit-sharing-irrelevant traditional-knowledge-absent biocultural-diversity-minimal ecosystem-services-valuation-absent natural-capital-relevance-minimal green-economy-relevance-absent sustainable-development-relevance-minimal climate-mitigation-irrelevant climate-adaptation-minimal disaster-risk-reduction-irrelevant food-security-irrelevant health-security-irrelevant livelihood-security-irrelevant economic-development-irrelevant poverty-reduction-irrelevant gender-equality-irrelevant social-justice-irrelevant intergenerational-equity-minimal environmental-justice-minimal planetary-health-minimal one-health-irrelevant ecohealth-irrelevant conservation-medicine-irrelevant veterinary-parasitology-irrelevant medical-entomology-irrelevant agricultural-entomology-minimal forest-entomology-irrelevant urban-entomology-incidental stored-product-entomology-irrelevant forensic-entomology-irrelevant aquatic-entomology-irrelevant systematics-relevance-moderate taxonomy-relevance-moderate phylogenetics-relevance-moderate biogeography-relevance-moderate ecology-relevance-moderate ethology-relevance-moderate evolutionary-biology-relevance-moderate genetics-relevance-limited molecular-biology-relevance-limited physiology-relevance-limited biochemistry-relevance-limited biophysics-relevance-limited mathematics-irrelevant statistics-relevant informatics-relevant remote-sensing-irrelevant geographic-information-systems-relevant modeling-potential-moderate simulation-potential-limited artificial-intelligence-potential-limited machine-learning-potential-limited big-data-potential-moderate citizen-science-potential-moderate crowdsourcing-potential-moderate open-innovation-potential-limited interdisciplinary-relevance-moderate transdisciplinary-potential-limited convergence-research-potential-limited sustainability-science-relevance-minimal resilience-science-relevance-minimal complexity-science-relevance-minimal systems-science-relevance-limited network-science-relevance-limited data-science-relevance-moderate computational-biology-relevance-limited synthetic-biology-irrelevant genetic-engineering-irrelevant gene-editing-irrelevant biotechnology-irrelevant nanotechnology-irrelevant materials-science-potential-moderate robotics-potential-limited automation-potential-limited precision-agriculture-irrelevant smart-farming-irrelevant digital-agriculture-irrelevant agricultural-innovation-irrelevant food-systems-irrelevant nutrition-security-irrelevant biodiversity-conservation-minimal habitat-conservation-minimal species-conservation-minimal genetic-diversity-conservation-minimal ecosystem-conservation-minimal landscape-conservation-minimal protected-area-relevance-minimal conservation-planning-relevance-minimal restoration-ecology-relevance-limited rewilding-irrelevant de-extinction-irrelevant synthetic-ecology-irrelevant geoengineering-irrelevant climate-engineering-irrelevant solar-radiation-management-irrelevant carbon-capture-irrelevant negative-emissions-irrelevant nature-based-solutions-minimal ecosystem-based-adaptation-minimal ecosystem-based-disaster-risk-reduction-minimal green-infrastructure-minimal blue-infrastructure-irrelevant urban-greening-incidental nature-conservation-minimal wildlife-management-irrelevant pest-management-minimal vector-control-irrelevant invasive-species-management-irrelevant biosecurity-irrelevant phytosanitation-irrelevant animal-health-irrelevant plant-health-minimal one-health-implementation-irrelevant disease-ecology-irrelevant epidemiology-irrelevant public-health-irrelevant environmental-health-minimal occupational-health-irrelevant safety-science-irrelevant risk-assessment-minimal hazard-analysis-irrelevant exposure-assessment-irrelevant vulnerability-assessment-irrelevant impact-assessment-minimal strategic-environmental-assessment-irrelevant environmental-impact-assessment-minimal social-impact-assessment-irrelevant health-impact-assessment-irrelevant cumulative-impact-assessment-irrelevant life-cycle-assessment-irrelevant carbon-footprint-minimal water-footprint-minimal ecological-footprint-minimal material-footprint-minimal land-use-change-minimal deforestation-irrelevant habitat-fragmentation-limited habitat-degradation-minimal habitat-conversion-minimal land-degradation-minimal soil-degradation-minimal soil-erosion-irrelevant desertification-irrelevant salinization-irrelevant contamination-sensitivity-unknown toxicity-sensitivity-unknown eutrophication-irrelevant acidification-irrelevant ozone-exposure-irrelevant particulate-matter-exposure-irrelevant noise-pollution-irrelevant light-pollution-unknown thermal-pollution-irrelevant radiation-exposure-irrelevant electromagnetic-exposure-irrelevant microplastic-exposure-unknown nanomaterial-exposure-unknown pharmaceutical-exposure-unknown hormone-exposure-unknown pesticide-exposure-unknown heavy-metal-exposure-unknown persistent-organic-pollutant-exposure-unknown emerging-contaminant-exposure-unknown endocrine-disruption-unknown genotoxicity-unknown carcinogenicity-unknown teratogenicity-unknown mutagenicity-unknown allergenicity-unknown pathogenicity-absent toxicity-negligible hazard-minimal risk-negligible exposure-potential-minimal vulnerability-minimal resilience-high adaptive-capacity-high sensitivity-low exposure-low coping-capacity-high preparedness-adequate response-capacity-adequate recovery-capacity-high transformation-capacity-limited learning-capacity-moderate innovation-capacity-limited experimentation-capacity-limited flexibility-high robustness-high redundancy-moderate diversity-moderate modularity-moderate connectivity-moderate feedbacks-unknown thresholds-unknown tipping-points-irrelevant regime-shifts-unlikely hysteresis-unknown path-dependency-unknown lock-in-absent irreversibility-absent resilience-trade-offs-unknown resilience-paradox-unknown engineering-resilience-high ecological-resilience-moderate social-ecological-resilience-minimal evolutionary-resilience-unknown specified-resilience-unknown general-resilience-high transformational-adaptation-unnecessary incremental-adaptation-adequate autonomous-adaptation-present planned-adaptation-unnecessary adaptation-limits-not-reached adaptation-barriers-minimal adaptation-enablers-present adaptation-opportunities-limited adaptation-constraints-minimal adaptation-costs-negligible adaptation-benefits-moderate maladaptation-risk-minimal residual-risk-minimal loss-and-damage-minimal climate-justice-irrelevant climate-ethics-minimal climate-governance-irrelevant climate-policy-irrelevant climate-finance-irrelevant climate-negotiations-irrelevant Paris-Agreement-irrelevant Sustainable-Development-Goals-irrelevant Aichi-Biodiversity-Targets-irrelevant Kunming-Montreal-Global-Biodiversity-Framework-irrelevant Convention-on-Biological-Diversity-irrelevant Convention-on-International-Trade-in-Endangered-Species-irrelevant Ramsar-Convention-irrelevant World-Heritage-Convention-irrelevant Man-and-the-Biosphere-Programme-irrelevant Intergovernmental-Science-Policy-Platform-on-Biodiversity-and-Ecosystem-Services-irrelevant Intergovernmental-Panel-on-Climate-Change-irrelevant United-Nations-Framework-Convention-on-Climate-Change-irrelevant United-Nations-Convention-to-Combat-Desertification-irrelevant United-Nations-Convention-on-the-Law-of-the-Sea-irrelevant Basel-Convention-irrelevant Stockholm-Convention-irrelevant Rotterdam-Convention-irrelevant Montreal-Protocol-irrelevant Kyoto-Protocol-irrelevant Agenda-2030-irrelevant New-Urban-Agenda-irrelevant Sendai-Framework-irrelevant Addis-Ababa-Action-Agenda-irrelevant Addis-Ababa-Declaration-irrelevant Nairobi-Declaration-irrelevant Sharm-el-Sheikh-Implementation-Plan-irrelevant Glasgow-Climate-Pact-irrelevant Kunming-Declaration-irrelevant Montreal-Declaration-irrelevant post-2020-biodiversity-framework-irrelevant post-2025-biodiversity-framework-irrelevant 2050-vision-for-biodiversity-irrelevant nature-positive-minimal 30-by-30-target-irrelevant half-earth-proposal-irrelevant rewilding-proposal-irrelevant natural-climate-solutions-minimal blue-carbon-irrelevant green-carbon-minimal terrestrial-carbon-minimal soil-carbon-minimal biomass-carbon-minimal ecosystem-carbon-minimal biodiversity-carbon-minimal co-benefits-minimal trade-offs-minimal synergies-limited antagonisms-absent bundling-opportunities-limited stacking-opportunities-limited mainstreaming-opportunities-limited integration-opportunities-limited policy-coherence-adequate governance-adequacy-adequate institutional-adequacy-adequate legal-adequacy-adequate financial-adequacy-adequate technical-adequacy-adequate human-resource-adequacy-adequate infrastructure-adequacy-adequate knowledge-adequacy-adequate information-adequacy-adequate monitoring-adequacy-adequate evaluation-adequacy-adequate learning-adequacy-adequate adaptive-management-adequacy-adequate risk-management-adequacy-adequate crisis-management-adequacy-adequate emergency-response-adequacy-adequate business-continuity-adequacy-adequate sustainability-adequacy-adequate resilience-adequacy-high transformation-adequacy-minimal innovation-adequacy-limited science-policy-interface-adequacy-adequate science-society-interface-adequacy-adequate knowledge-action-interface-adequacy-adequate evidence-based-policy-adequate policy-relevant-science-adequate usable-science-adequate actionable-knowledge-adequate boundary-work-minimal mediation-minimal translation-minimal communication-adequacy-adequate engagement-adequacy-adequate participation-adequacy-adequate inclusion-adequacy-adequate equity-adequacy-adequate justice-adequacy-adequate legitimacy-adequacy-adequate credibility-adequacy-adequate salience-adequacy-adequate timeliness-adequacy-adequate relevance-adequacy-adequate impact-adequacy-adequate effectiveness-adequacy-adequate efficiency-adequacy-adequate efficacy-adequacy-adequate sustainability-of-outcomes-adequate sustainability-of-processes-adequate durability-adequate robustness-of-interventions-adequate scalability-limited replicability-adequate transferability-moderate generalizability-limited context-specificity-high place-based-relevance-high local-relevance-high regional-relevance-moderate national-relevance-minimal international-relevance-minimal global-relevance-minimal universal-relevance-absent particular-relevance-present specific-relevance-present contingent-relevance-present situated-relevance-present embedded-relevance-present embodied-relevance-present affective-relevance-minimal experiential-relevance-moderate phenomenological-relevance-minimal hermeneutic-relevance-minimal critical-relevance-minimal decolonial-relevance-absent feminist-relevance-minimal queer-relevance-absent disability-relevance-absent indigenous-relevance-absent postcolonial-relevance-absent postmodern-relevance-minimal structural-relevance-minimal systemic-relevance-moderate holistic-relevance-moderate reductionist-relevance-limited mechanistic-relevance-limited deterministic-relevance-limited probabilistic-relevance-moderate stochastic-relevance-limited complex-relevance-moderate complicated-relevance-limited simple-relevance-absent chaotic-relevance-absent ordered-relevance-moderate disordered-relevance-absent organized-relevance-moderate self-organized-relevance-limited emergent-relevance-limited adaptive-relevance-moderate evolutionary-relevance-moderate developmental-relevance-moderate historical-relevance-moderate contemporary-relevance-moderate future-relevance-limited prognostic-relevance-limited predictive-relevance-moderate projective-relevance-limited prospective-relevance-limited retrospective-relevance-moderate monitoring-relevance-moderate assessment-relevance-moderate evaluation-relevance-moderate appraisal-relevance-moderate analysis-relevance-moderate synthesis-relevance-moderate integration-relevance-moderate coordination-relevance-minimal cooperation-relevance-minimal collaboration-relevance-moderate networking-relevance-moderate partnership-relevance-minimal alliance-relevance-minimal coalition-relevance-minimal movement-relevance-absent campaign-relevance-absent advocacy-relevance-minimal activism-relevance-absent mobilization-relevance-minimal organization-relevance-minimal institutionalization-relevance-minimal 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practice-relevance-moderate performance-relevance-minimal narrative-relevance-minimal discourse-relevance-minimal rhetoric-relevance-minimal poetics-relevance-minimal aesthetics-relevance-minimal ethics-relevance-minimal politics-relevance-minimal economics-relevance-minimal sociology-relevance-moderate anthropology-relevance-minimal psychology-relevance-minimal geography-relevance-moderate history-relevance-moderate philosophy-relevance-minimal religion-relevance-absent spirituality-relevance-absent theology-relevance-absent mythology-relevance-minimal symbolism-relevance-minimal ritual-relevance-minimal magic-relevance-absent witchcraft-relevance-absent shamanism-relevance-absent animism-relevance-minimal totemism-relevance-absent fetishism-relevance-absent idolatry-relevance-absent iconoclasm-relevance-absent veneration-relevance-minimal worship-relevance-absent sacredness-relevance-absent profaneness-relevance-present secularity-relevance-present mundanity-relevance-present ordinariness-relevance-present commonness-relevance-present ubiquity-relevance-limited rarity-relevance-limited scarcity-relevance-limited abundance-relevance-moderate plentitude-relevance-limited excess-relevance-absent scarcity-value-minimal abundance-value-minimal commonness-value-minimal rarity-value-minimal uniqueness-value-minimal distinctiveness-value-moderate singularity-value-minimal particularity-value-moderate specificity-value-moderate generality-value-limited universality-value-minimal typicality-value-moderate atypicality-value-limited normality-value-moderate abnormality-value-limited regularity-value-moderate irregularity-value-limited standardness-value-moderate nonstandardness-value-limited conventionality-value-moderate unconventionality-value-limited orthodoxy-value-minimal heterodoxy-value-minimal conformity-value-minimal nonconformity-value-minimal deviance-value-minimal normativity-value-minimal normalivity-value-minimal pathology-value-minimal health-value-minimal wellness-value-minimal fitness-value-minimal adaptation-value-moderate maladaptation-value-minimal dysfunction-value-minimal function-value-moderate purpose-value-minimal meaning-value-minimal significance-value-moderate importance-value-moderate triviality-value-minimal substantiality-value-moderate materiality-value-minimal immateriality-value-minimal corporeality-value-moderate incorporeality-value-minimal embodiment-value-moderate disembodiment-value-minimal presence-value-moderate absence-value-minimal existence-value-moderate nonexistence-value-minimal being-value-moderate nothingness-value-minimal becoming-value-moderate change-value-moderate stability-value-moderate flux-value-limited permanence-value-limited impermanence-value-limited continuity-value-moderate discontinuity-value-limited duration-value-moderate instantaneity-value-minimal temporality-value-moderate atemporality-value-minimal spatiality-value-moderate aspatiality-value-minimal locality-value-moderate nonlocality-value-minimal place-value-moderate space-value-moderate distance-value-minimal proximity-value-moderate region-value-moderate,
Michthisoma heterodoxum
Michthisoma heterodoxum is a small cerambycid beetle in the tribe Saphanini, first described by LeConte in 1850. The species is known for its remarkable morphological resemblance to small workers of the carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus, representing a case of myrmecomorphy (ant mimicry). This mimicry appears to be an evolutionary adaptation to avoid predation. The species has a restricted geographic range, occurring primarily in the southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States. Despite its distinctive appearance, the species appears to be rarely encountered in the field.
Cerambycidae ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy Saphanini southeastern-United-States LeConte-1850 Camponotus-mimicry rarely-collected
Mirini
Mirini is a large tribe of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) containing over 180 genera distributed worldwide. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Lygus, whose members are major agricultural pests of North American crops. Mirini species exhibit diverse ecological associations, including myrmecomorphic (ant-mimicking) forms and specialized relationships with particular host plants.
plant-bugs agricultural-pests biological-control myrmecomorphy parasitoid-hosts
Myrmarachne
ant-mimic spiders, ant-mimicking jumping spiders
Myrmarachne is a large genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by MacLeay in 1839. With approximately 188 described species, it is the most diverse genus of jumping spider in Southeast Asia. These spiders exhibit remarkable morphological and behavioral convergence with ants, including elongated cephalothoraxes with constricted waists, coloration matching local ant species, and foreleg waving to simulate antennae. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several genera split off in recent years including Helicius (2016) and the revalidation of Emertonius (2018).
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy aggressive-mimicry locomotor-mimicry taxonomic-revision invasive-species Southeast-Asia Salticidae jumping-spider behavioral-ecology
Myrmecotypus
Myrmecotypus is a genus of ant-mimicking sac spiders in the family Corinnidae, subfamily Castianeirinae. Species exhibit myrmecomorphy—both morphological and behavioral mimicry of ants. The genus was described in 1894 and currently contains fourteen species distributed from the United States to Argentina, with greatest diversity in Central America. Most species are arboreal, though M. mazazoides is ground-dwelling.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy Neotropical arboreal Castianeirinae
Myrmex dichrous
Bicolored Myrmex
Myrmex dichrous is a species of antlike weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1876. It is commonly known as the Bicolored Myrmex. The genus name Myrmex derives from Greek, meaning 'ant', referencing the ant-mimicking appearance of these weevils.
myrmecomorphy ant-mimicry weevil North-America
Myrmex insignis
antlike weevil
Myrmex insignis is a species of ant-mimicking weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species exhibits morphological adaptations resembling ants, a form of protective mimicry common in the genus. It is recorded from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy weevil Curculionidae North-America rarely-recorded
Myrmex ruficornis
antlike weevil
Myrmex ruficornis is a species of antlike weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The genus Myrmex is characterized by its ant-mimicking morphology, with species exhibiting body forms and behaviors that resemble ants. The specific epithet ruficornis refers to the reddish coloration of the antennae. This species was described by Casey in 1892 and is currently treated as a synonym of Otidocephalus ruficornis in some taxonomic databases.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy weevil Curculionidae antlike-beetle
Myrmex vandykei
Myrmex vandykei is a species of antlike weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Sleeper in 1970. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Myrmex, it exhibits morphological adaptations that give it a superficial resemblance to ants, a form of protective mimicry. The specific epithet honors the entomologist Edwin C. Van Dyke.
weevil ant-mimic myrmecomorphy curculionidae north-america
Peckhamia
Peckhamia is a genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (family Salticidae) first described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1900, named in honor of arachnologists George and Elizabeth Peckham. Species in this genus exhibit striking myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in body shape, movement patterns, and behavior. The genus is distinguished from related ant-mimicking genera such as Synageles by a more convex carapace in the cephalic area that slopes sharply downward behind the third row of eyes. Peckhamia species characteristically hold their second pair of legs aloft to simulate ant antennae, enhancing their deceptive appearance.
myrmecomorphy ant-mimicry Salticidae jumping-spider mimicry arachnid
Pilophorini
Pilophorini is a tribe of plant bugs (Miridae: Phylinae) comprising approximately 15 genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions. The group exhibits pronounced ant-mimicry (myrmecomorphy) in many species, particularly within the type genus Pilophorus. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a tropical Gondwanan origin with subsequent radiation into the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Members of this tribe show diverse feeding strategies, including herbivory on mistletoes (Loranthaceae, Santalales) and predatory behavior.
myrmecomorphy ant-mimicry mistletoe-feeding Gondwanan-distribution Phylinae Miridae Heteroptera plant-bugs Santalales Loranthaceae
Pilophorus clavicornis
Pilophorus clavicornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Poppius in 1914. It is known from arid regions of western North America, with records from Arizona, California, and Nevada. The species belongs to a genus noted for ant-mimicking morphology and behavior.
Miridae Hemiptera ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy North-America desert-fauna Pilophorus
Pyrrhocoridae
Red Bugs, Cotton Stainers
Pyrrhocoridae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising over 300 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as 'red bugs' due to their frequent bright red coloration, with some species called 'cotton stainers' for their economic impact on cotton crops. The family includes the well-known firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) in Europe. Pyrrhocorids are distinguished from similar families by the absence of ocelli on the head. They occupy diverse ecological roles: many feed on seeds and fruits, particularly of Malvales, some are predatory, and a few are significant agricultural pests.
Hemiptera Heteroptera true-bugs red-bugs cotton-stainers Malvales aggregation-behavior myrmecomorphy agricultural-pests biological-control
Sarinda
Sarinda is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) in the tribe Sarindini, established by Peckham & Peckham in 1892. The genus contains species distributed in the Neotropics, with documented records in Uruguay including S. marcosi, S. sombraluminosa, and S. contraluz. Members of this genus exhibit myrmecomorphy—morphological and behavioral mimicry of ants. The genus is distinguished from related taxa by characters of the genitalia and somatic morphology.
jumping-spider ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy Salticidae Sarindini Neotropical
Synageles
antlike jumping spiders
Synageles is a genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (family Salticidae) first described by Eugène Simon in 1876. The genus contains approximately 19–20 described species distributed across the Old World from Spain to China, with one species in northern Africa (S. repudiatus from Egypt), and in the New World from Mexico to Canada. These spiders exhibit striking morphological and behavioral mimicry of ants, including holding their second pair of legs aloft to simulate antennae and adopting characteristic ant-like locomotion.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy jumping-spider Salticidae protective-mimicry transcontinental-distribution
Synageles noxiosus
Synageles noxiosus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is found in North America and the Bahama Islands. The species belongs to a genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders, characterized by their distinctive morphology and behavior that allows them to resemble ants.
jumping-spider ant-mimic myrmecomorphy Salticidae North-America Bahamas
Synageles venator
Palaearctic Antmimic Jumping Spider
Synageles venator is a small ant-mimicking jumping spider in the family Salticidae. Females reach approximately 4 mm in length, with males slightly smaller. The species exhibits striking myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in appearance, movement, and behavior. It holds its second pair of legs raised like antennae and moves with rapid, halting urgency characteristic of ants. This mimicry provides protection from predators that have learned to avoid ants due to their chemical defenses.
ant-mimic myrmecomorphy jumping-spider protective-mimicry salticidae
Synemosyna formica
Ant-mimic jumping spider
Synemosyna formica is a species of jumping spider (Salticidae) known for its remarkable mimicry of ants. It is found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The species employs a distinctive ant-mimicry strategy: it elevates its first pair of legs to imitate ant antennae, unlike related ant-mimics such as Synageles species which use their second pair of legs for this purpose.
ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy Salticidae jumping-spider North-America mimicry behavioral-adaptation
Udeocorini
dirt-colored seed bugs
Udeocorini is a tribe of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Sweet in 1967. The tribe comprises approximately 17 genera and more than 30 described species. Members are primarily found in association with ground-level habitats where seeds are available. At least one genus within the tribe, Daerlac, exhibits myrmecomorphy (ant mimicry).
seed-bug ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy eucalypt-woodland ground-dwelling