Polymorphic workers; filled repletes develop greatly enlarged gasters.
Fine-art photographic collection
Myrmecocystus mimicus
A territorial desert ant combining living food stores with organised raids.
About this species
Mimic honeypot ant
Myrmecocystus mimicusWheeler, 1908
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Myrmecocystus mimicus is a North American honeypot ant of arid landscapes. Colonies maintain repletes as living stores and can engage in intense territorial competition with neighbouring colonies.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Formicinae · Lasiini · Myrmecocystus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Southwestern North AmericaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Desert scrub, sandy plains and dry open ground.
Forages during cooler hours and may use persistent routes to honeydew or floral resources.
Honeydew, nectar and arthropod food.
Deep soil colonies containing repletes and size-variable foragers.
What makes this species remarkable?
Neighbouring colonies may conduct organised raids and territorial contests.
Repletes store surplus food gathered during brief periods of abundance.
Workers can retrieve stored liquid through trophallaxis.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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