Chapter 16 The Army Ants Summary

This chapter is the first of four chapters devoted to specific taxa; as such, it contains a large amount of descriptive natural history and is interesting and accessible. The general life history of swarm raider ants is described in detail, accompanied by photographs. Basic trail patterns are described and illustrated. Stages of colony life cycles are considered. Field studies of individual colonies are presented and considered.

Biological characteristics of the army ants are summarized in a chart, which also includes citations. Colony reproduction is discussed. The phylogeny of the army ants is presented, and the diagnostic and other specialized traits are enumerated and discussed. A chart summarizing the species of army ants, with citations, is presented.

The driver ants are described. Other army ant species, besides the doryline and ecitonine ants, are described. Theories on the origin...