Subfamily Ectioninae

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Subfamily Ectioninae Army Ants
Compiled by Hilda Taylor
Petiole Postpetiole
Tiny Eyes
Ecitoninae (Army Ants) Descriptive
Characteristics Habitat - Large ants -
Live in the ground - Tiny eyes (at most one
ommatidium) - From southern US to Brazil -
Petiole and postpetiole present (includes all
3 genera) - Fully exposed antennal sockets with
surrounding semicircular ridges - Weakly to
strongly polymorphic Behavior - Nomadic group
raiders
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Genus Eciton Army Ants

• Descriptive Characteristics
• Toothed tarsal claws
• Prodopodium spines or flanges present
• Relatively long, thin antennal scapes
• Polymorphic
• Soldiers have long mandibles
• Workers do not have long
• mandibles, resemble Neivamyrmex
• workers
• Habitat
• - Range from southern Mexico to
• Brazil
• - Live in the ground
• Behavior
• - Aggressive, bite and sting

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Genus Labidus Army Ants
Rounded angle

• Descriptive Characteristics
• Toothed tarsal claws (front, mid hind legs)
• Propodium is rounded
• No prodorsal spines
• Strongly polymorphic
• Redish color
• Soldiers do not have long mandibles
• Shinny heads
• Habitat
• - Southern Texas, possible southern Arizona
• Mexico
• - Forests
• - Live in the ground
• Behavior
• - Aggressive, bite and sting

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Genus Neivamyrmex Army Ants
Angle, tooth or ridge (carina)

• Descriptive Characteristics
• Simple tarsal claws (front, mid hind legs)
• No propodeal spines
• Angle, tooth or carina (ridge) on propodeal
• Polymorphic
• Red and black head (?)
• Habitat
• - Southern US
• Behavior
• - Moderately aggressive, bite and sting