Explanation of Names
Greek linon (λινον)- "flax" + epithema (επιθημα)- "covering"
Numbers
2 species in North America [
L. humile; L. iniquum] (
nearctica.com- endings corrected)
Size
workers (of L. humile) 2.2-2.6 mm
Identification
single abdominal pedicel (the petiole); 12-segmented antenna without club; distinct promesonotal suture; strong constriction between the mesonotum and propodeum; lack a sting or acidopore, but have a transverse slit-shaped cloacal opening; soft flexible integument
[description adapted from Mississippi State U. - see Internet References below]
Range
mostly neotropical; one accidentally introduced species (L. humile, the Argentine Ant) has spread across southern United States (from North Carolina to Florida, west through the gulf states to the coast of California)
Internet References
live adult images of
Linepithema species (Alex Wild, myrmecos.net)
preserved adult images of
L. humile at high magnification (Mississippi State U.)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 12 September, 2005 - 6:10pm
Additional contributions by
Chuck EntzLast updated 1 March, 2006 - 12:08am
