Aspects of the Biology of the Primitive Ant Genus Myrmecia F. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

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.