ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF THE PRIMITIVE ANT GENUS MYRMECIA F. (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Abstract

Unlike some other primitive ants, workers of at least 4 species of Myrmecia are unable to independently eclose from their cocoons. Workers of some Myrmecia species have large functional ovaries and a spermatheca. Workers of such species lay trophic eggs. In other Myrmecia species the workers have reduced ovaries and trophallaxis occurs by oral regurgitation. A Myrmecia nuptial flight is described and a brief description is given of a Myrmecia ergatandromorph. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved