| Neivamyrmex | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Neivamyrmex pilosus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Dorylinae |
| Genus: | Neivamyrmex Borgmeier, 1940 |
| Diversity [1] | |
| 129 species | |
| Synonyms | |
Acamatus Emery, 1894 | |
Neivamyrmex is a genus of army ants in the subfamily Dorylinae. [2]
Neivamyrmex species can be found from the central United States to southern Argentina. [3]
As of 2021, 129 Neivamyrmex species have been identified. [3] However, most research pertaining to this genus is based on a single species, Neivamyrmex nigriscens, from which knowledge about Neivamyrmex overall is derived. [3] Many species are known based only on a small number of male individuals. [3]
Neivamyrmex do not build permanent nests; instead, colonies are nomadic, establishing temporary bivouacs every night before moving on to a new location. [4] Most species are predominantly subterranean, but they will occasionally forage above ground at night or on cloudy days. [5] The larvae and pupae of other ant species are the principle food of Neivamyrmex, including ants of the genera Veromessor , Pheidole , Solenopsis, and Formica . [6]
Male Neivamyrmex possess wings, while queens are flightless. [7] Fertilization of queens may occur purely within the colony, with mating occurring between brothers and sisters, or unrelated males may fly in from foreign colonies to reproduce. [7] After being fertilized, new queens will found new colonies by leaving their natal colonies alongside a large number of workers. [7]
Media related to Neivamyrmex at Wikimedia Commons