Polygynous
Guides
Atta texana
Texas Leafcutter Ant, Town Ant, Parasol Ant, Fungus Ant, Cut Ant, Night Ant
Atta texana is a fungus-farming leafcutter ant and the northernmost species in the genus Atta, distributed across Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico. Colonies are large and polygynous, containing several queens and up to several million workers. Foragers harvest leaf material from over 200 plant species to cultivate symbiotic fungus gardens, making this species a significant agricultural and ornamental pest capable of defoliating a citrus tree within 24 hours.
Forelius pruinosus
high noon ant
Forelius pruinosus, commonly known as the high noon ant, is a North American ant species in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. It is notable for its diurnal foraging activity during hot, dry conditions, its polygynous colony structure with multiple queens, and its documented mutualistic relationships with various plants and insects. The species has been observed in sea turtle nests on Georgia's barrier islands and has been studied as a native ant mutualist in contrast to invasive ant species.
Formica exsectoides
Allegheny mound ant
Formica exsectoides, commonly known as the Allegheny mound ant, is a large black ant species native to eastern North America. It constructs conspicuous dome-shaped mounds that can reach several feet in diameter and over two feet in height, with colonies containing hundreds of thousands of workers and multiple reproductive queens. The species is notable for its aggressive territorial defense, mechanical strength (neck joints withstand pressures up to 5,000 times body weight), and complex ecological relationships including associations with treehoppers and use of its mounds by other animals.
Formica integra
integra-group Field and Mound Ants
Formica integra is a mound-building ant species in the genus Formica, characterized by its polygynous colony structure with multiple queens coexisting within a single nest. The species inhabits open, sunny environments and constructs distinctive above-ground nest mounds in well-drained soils. It has been studied for its nest construction behavior, trophallaxis (food exchange between individuals), and interspecific confrontation behaviors.
Formica montana
prairie mound ant
Formica montana, commonly known as the prairie mound ant, is a North American ant species in the genus Formica. Colonies are frequently polygynous, with up to 20 queens documented in a single nest. The species constructs characteristic mound nests in prairie habitats.
Monomorium floricola
Bicolored Trailing Ant, Flower Ant
Monomorium floricola is a small myrmicine ant native to tropical regions that has become a widespread global invader. Commonly known as the bicolored trailing ant or flower ant, it is frequently transported through human commerce and has established populations across multiple continents. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, polygynous colony structure, and association with human-disturbed habitats. It is recognized as a significant invasive species with potential ecological impacts in tropical biodiversity hotspots.
Monomorium pharaonis
Pharaoh Ant
Monomorium pharaonis, commonly known as the pharaoh ant, is a small (approximately 2 mm) yellow to light brown invasive ant species of unknown origin that has become one of the most widespread and problematic indoor pest ants globally. It is a highly polygynous, unicolonial species with colonies containing multiple queens, workers, males, and brood. The species exhibits pronounced caste polyphenism with distinct morphologies and behaviors across queens, workers, and males. Pharaoh ants are notorious for infesting hospitals, food service facilities, and residential structures, where they pose significant public health risks as mechanical vectors of pathogens. Their complex social structure, involving multiple reproductives and decentralized nest sites, makes them exceptionally difficult to control using conventional insecticide treatments.
Nylanderia bourbonica
Robust Crazy Ant
Nylanderia bourbonica, commonly known as the Robust Crazy Ant, is a widespread invasive tramp ant species native to tropical regions. It has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, where it is established in Florida and other subtropical areas. The species exhibits characteristic erratic, rapid movement patterns and forms large polygynous colonies. As a generalist forager associated with human-modified environments, it can reach nuisance pest levels in urban settings.
Pseudomyrmex pallidus
Pallidus-group Twig Ants
Pseudomyrmex pallidus is a small, slender ant species native to the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, with an extensive range from the southern United States through Central America and into South America. Workers are monomorphic and exhibit variable coloration from yellow to orange or brown. The species nests exclusively in hollow stems of dead grasses and woody twigs, typically at the interface of grassy and wooded habitats. Colonies are facultatively polygynous and polydomous, containing 1–15 queens and 20–200 workers.
Tapinoma melanocephalum
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum, commonly known as the ghost ant, is a minute ant species recognized by its distinctive bicolored appearance: dark brown head and thorax contrasting with pale, translucent legs, antennae, and gaster. Native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, it has become a globally distributed "tramp" species through human commerce, establishing populations in greenhouses, heated buildings, and tropical urban environments worldwide. The species is considered a significant household pest, particularly in Florida and Hawaii, where it nests indoors and forages for sweet foods. Recent taxonomic revision has revealed that what was long considered T. melanocephalum actually comprises two cryptic species, with T. pithecorum described as new in 2020.