Temperate-canopy
Guides
Aphaenogaster
Funnel Ants, Collared Ants
Aphaenogaster is a genus of myrmicine ants comprising approximately 200 described species, including 18 fossil species. Workers are monomorphic with 12-segmented antennae and four-segmented antennal clubs. The genus exhibits diverse nesting habits, with most species nesting in soil, under rocks, or in rotten wood, while some species such as A. mariae are arboreal. Australian species are known for constructing conspicuous funnel-shaped nest entrances up to 4 cm in diameter.
Aphaenogaster mariae
Mary's Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster mariae is a rarely collected arboreal ant species endemic to the eastern United States. First described in 1886 from specimens collected in Florida by Mary Treat, it remained poorly known until 2021 when the first complete nest was documented in North Carolina. Unlike most congeners that nest in soil or rotting logs, this species inhabits dead branches and under live bark of mature hardwoods, particularly oaks. The first males were photographed and described in 2023, enabling a complete taxonomic redescription of the caste.