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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Induction and Evaluation of Inbreeding Crosses Using the Ant, Vollenhovia Emeryi

Induction and Evaluation of Inbreeding Crosses Using the Ant, Vollenhovia Emeryi

Published on: October 5, 2018

Evolution: no-male's land for an Amazonian ant.

Denis Fournier¹, Serge Aron

¹Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (CP 160/12), Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Denis.Fournier@ulb.ac.be

Current Biology : CB

|November 13, 2009

Summary

The Amazonian ant Mycocepurus smithii reproduces asexually, with males seemingly absent. This discovery highlights the diverse reproductive strategies found within ant species.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Myrmecology (study of ants)

Background:

Ants exhibit diverse reproductive systems, including sexual and asexual reproduction.
The fungus-growing ant Mycocepurus smithii is endemic to the Amazon.
Previous research has explored reproductive strategies in social insects.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the reproductive mode of the fungus-growing ant Mycocepurus smithii.
To determine if males are present and participate in reproduction in this species.

Main Methods:

Field observations and sample collection in the Amazon.
Genetic analysis to assess reproductive modes and sex determination.
Behavioral studies of ant colonies.

Main Results:

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Queens of Mycocepurus smithii exclusively reproduce asexually.
Evidence suggests the male sex has been lost in this species.
This represents a rare instance of complete parthenogenesis in ants.

Conclusions:

Mycocepurus smithii provides a unique model for studying the evolution of asexuality.
The loss of males in this species underscores the evolutionary flexibility of reproductive systems in ants.
Further research can explore the genetic and ecological factors driving this reproductive shift.