ants - Neivamyrmex - BugGuide.Net

Legionary ants.

These are "legionary ants," the temperate equivalent of neotropical army ants. Genus is Neivamyrmex, at least I'm pretty sure. Maybe Alex Wild will visit and confirm or deny.

… Eric R. Eaton, 16 November, 2005 - 11:52am

Thank you

for the quick response Eric. It was fascinating to watch them, were they releasing pheromones or something to attract the males?

… Machele White, 16 November, 2005 - 12:12pm

They are either Neivamyrmex t

They are either Neivamyrmex texanus or opacithorax. More likely they are attacking a prey item, but it is difficult to tell in this photograph. Based on the shining head it is N. opacithorax.

… Gordon C. Snelling, 20 June, 2006 - 7:54am

Thank you

for your response. I sat in the grass for quite awhile watching, no prey, they were running from blade to blade, going to the tips in groups, then one of the winged ones would fly in, and head directly under the grass.

… Machele White, 20 June, 2006 - 8:07am

Very interesting observation,

Very interesting observation, no question the males were being attracted however I have never heard of such a strategy being used to attract males. Unfortunately so little is known about this aspect of army ant life it could very well be that this behavior is exactly what was going on.

… Gordon C. Snelling, 20 June, 2006 - 8:22am