Aphaenogaster
is a heterogeneous assemblage of slender myrmicine ants found worldwide. A number of species are seed harvesters, while other species, such as A. tennesseensis, are social parasites of other Aphaenogaster. A few Australian species build extensive soil mounds and are regarded as pests of lawns and pastures.
Socially parasitic ants are usually discernable by their relatively small queens, as ants that start new colonies by infiltrating existing nests do not need large body reserves. The queen of Aphaenogaster tennesseensis- a temporary nest-founding parasite of several other woodland Aphaenogaster- is scarcely larger than her own workers.
Urbana, Illinois, USA
Socially parasitic ants are usually discernable by their relatively small queens, as ants that start new colonies by infiltrating existing nests do not need large body reserves. The queen of Aphaenogaster tennesseensis- a temporary nest-founding parasite of several other woodland Aphaenogaster- is scarcely larger than her own workers.
Urbana, Illinois, USA
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