Myrmecocystus mimicus honeypot ant worker. Note the exceptionally long maxillary palpi emerging backwards from the mouth- these are diagnostic for the genus.

Green Valley, Arizona, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus worker leaving the nest to forage.

Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus alate female, worker, and larva.

Carrizo Plain Nat'l Monument, California, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus worker leaving the nest to forage.

Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus alate female, worker, and larva.

Carrizo Plain Nat'l Monument, California, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus worker leaving the nest to forage.

Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus worker leaving the nest to forage.

Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus alate female, worker, and larva.

Carrizo Plain Nat'l Monument, California, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus alate female, worker, and larva.

Carrizo Plain Nat'l Monument, California, USA
Myrmecocystus mimicus alate female, worker, and larva.

Carrizo Plain Nat'l Monument, California, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013