Trachymyrmex
is a fungus-growing ant intermediate in behavior and morphology between the smaller attines (such as
Cyphomyrmex) and the leaf-cutting genera
Atta and
Acromyrmex. They feed on a subterranean fungus that they cultivate with bits of plant debris and other detritus. Like the other fungus-growers,
Trachymyrmex is found only in the Americas.
Trachymyrmex arizonensis & Pyramica arizonica. The minute Pyramica arizonica (at center) is found only inside nests of another ant species, the fungus-growing ant Trachymyrmex arizonensis.
Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Trachymyrmex arizonensis & Pyramica arizonica. The minute Pyramica arizonica (at center) is found only inside nests of another ant species, the fungus-growing ant Trachymyrmex arizonensis.
Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
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