Eciton burchellii

Eciton burchellii is a species of New World army ant in the genus Eciton. This species, one of the most extensively studied ant species, consists of expansive, organized swarm raids that give it the informal name, Eciton army ant[2] This species displays polymorphic caste features, with the soldier ants having much larger heads and mandibles. The colony lives in bivouacs, which are routinely moved as the foraging paths change. Eciton burchelliicolonies cycle between stationary and more active nomadic phases. The colony raids are maintained by the use of pheromones, can be 200 metres (660 ft) long, and employ up to 200,000 ants. Colony members have been observed to fill "potholes" in the foraging trail, allowing for the faster and easier movement of captured prey back to the nest. Numerous antbirds parasitize the Eciton burchellii by using their raids as a source of food. In terms of geographical distribution, this species is found in the Amazon jungle and Central America.
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures