Mycocepurus smithii

Mycocepurus smithii inhabits the Neotropical region. This species is widely distributed throughout Central and South America, from Mexico through Argentina and also several islands in the Caribbean. (Fernandez-Marin, et al., 2005)

Mycocepurus smithii is a fungus cultivating ant species, and thus inhabits moist soil ideal for growing fungus. Its nests can be found an average of 0.325 m below ground and consist of multiple connected chambers. This species may be found in savannas or rain forests that provide suitable soil conditions. (Fernandez-Marin, et al., 2005)

Mycocepurus smithii is roughly 3 mm long, and possess a fused mesonotum and pronotum, a promesonotum. A crown of spines on the promesonotum is unique to this genus and separates it from other ants. Mycocepurus smithii can be differentiated from other species in its genus by its lack of developed promesonotal spines in the center of its crown. Mycocepurus smithii can also be differentiated from other Mycocepurus ants by its sharp pronotal spines, which are generally shorter and more blunt in other species. This is an asexual species that is comprised of females only. (Mackay, et al., 2004; Rabeling, et al., 2009)

Mycocepurus smithii undergoes a complete metamorphosis including egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages in that order. Due to the parthenogenic nature of M. smithii, the sex of all offspring is female. (JRank Science & Philosophy, 2009)

Mycocepurus smithii appears to be a strictly asexual species of ant. Despite extensive testing no males have ever been discovered. All females in a given colony are clones of the queen, their mother. At this point, individuals of this species lack functional reproductive organs and thus the ability to reproduce. (Rabeling, et al., 2009)

Only queens reproduce; all other female workers are essentially sterile. In a related species, Mycocepurus goeldii, nests are prepared for reception of males and nuptial flights in late September, with mating occurring after the rains in early October. Such behaviors are not observed in M. smithii. Despite the lack of sexual activity in M. smithii, the peak production of alate females and nest founding occurs during the rainy season, July through September, similar to other species in its genus. Growth of M. smithii populations within a newly founded colony are markedly slower than in similar species, typically taking 2 to 5 months before the first workers are cited. (Fernandez-Marin, et al., 2005; Rabeling, et al., 2009)

All ant colonies show some degree of parental care. The initial brood in a colony is cared for by the queen. After a significant number of workers are born they then take over caring for the brood. The workers feed and protect the larvae for the remainder of their development. (Holldobler and Wilson, 1994)

Currently the lifespan of Mycocepurus smithii is unknown.

Mycocepurus smithii, along with most other members of Formicidae exhibit eusociality. The workers help carry dry leaves and caterpillar droppings back to the nesting site. The nest helps house the fungal colony which the ants feed on. Mycocepurus smithii has a mutualistic relationship with the fungal colony. The fungus hangs in a suspended garden. The dry leaves and caterpillar droppings are used to nourish the fungal garden. When a queen leaves the colony, she may carry the fungus on her wings to help form a new colony. Mycocepurus smithii is composed entirely of females who undergo asexual reproduction. (Mackay, et al., 2004)

Home range is currently unknown for this species.

Ants typically rely on communication via pheromones. Even though ants have eyes and antenna, which can be used for some communication, in a mainly subterranean colonial world the most efficient mode of communication is through pheromones. It has been estimated that ant species generally use between 10 and 20 chemical "words" to convey a message. The most recognizable signals that biologists can detect are attraction, recruitment, alarm, identification of other castes, recognition of larvae and other life stages, and discrimination between nestmates and strangers. (Holldobler and Wilson, 1994)

The fungus cultivating behavior in this species appears to provide the sole food source for Mycocepurus smithii. The queen of the colony maintains a symbiosis with the fungus. The queen must transport, nourish, and cultivate fungi with which she will nourish her brood. (Fernandez-Marin, et al., 2005)

Aside from local competitors, Mycocepurus smithii does not seem to have any specialized predators. Members of Formicidae usually exhibit anti-predatory behaviors, such as swarming and biting. Some ants even have specialized jaw appendages for biting and stinging. (Holldobler and Wilson, 1994)

Mycocepurus smithii are most notably known for their fungal cultivating mutualistic relationship. The fungal colonies serve as a food source for the ants and the ants help cultivate and grow fungal colonies. Mycocepurus smithii and other fungus cultivating ants provide an important ecological function in cultivating fungus. Mycocepurus smithii may help spread fungal colonies to newer habitats. (Fernandez-Marin, et al., 2005)

Currently there are no known positive effects of Mycocepurus smithii on humans.

Currently there are no known adverse effects of Mycocepurus smithii on humans.

Mycocepurus smithii is currently abundant and inhabits a large geographic range, making it a low conservation concern.