Nine-antennal-segments

Guides

• Brachymyrmex

  Rover Ants

  Brachymyrmex is a genus of minute ants in the subfamily Formicinae, commonly known as rover ants. Workers are distinguished by having only nine antennal segments—fewer than most ants—and by the petiole being concealed by the gaster in dorsal view. The genus contains 44 species and 17 subspecies, though species-level identification is challenging due to minimal morphological variation, small size, and soft-bodied workers. Brachymyrmex patagonicus, the dark rover ant, has become a significant invasive pest in the southern United States and other regions worldwide.

  invasive-speciesurban-pestFormicinaerover-antmulticolonialmonogyneaphid-predatornine-antennal-segmentscuticular-hydrocarbonsnestmate-recognition