Eciton burchellii
| Eciton burchellii | |
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| Soldier of Eciton burchellii | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Formicidae |
| Subfamily: | Dorylinae |
| Genus: | Eciton |
| Species: | E. burchellii |
| Binomial name | |
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Eciton burchellii Westwood, 1842 |
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| Subspecies | |
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 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 burchellii colonies 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.
Like most ant species, Eciton burchellii is polymorphic, meaning that features amongst smaller groups within the colony vary in size: a colony contains workers ranging from 3 mm to 12 mm, with each specific "caste" suited to specialized tasks. At least four castes of workers exist in its social system. Like other species of Eciton, Eciton burchellii features a highly modified soldier caste bearing long, pointed, characteristically falcate (sickle-shaped) mandibles. These features are much larger than on the "porter caste", the caste directly below that of the major "soldiers". Their long legs and elongated body lend them a spider-like appearance. Color varies from deep golden to dark brown. Workers possess single-faceted compound eyes, double-segmented waists, a well-developed sting, and specialized tarsal hooks on their feet with which they cling to one another to form bridges and bivouacs.
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