Ocymyrmex foreli

Forder and Marsh (1989) found that O .foreli colonies contained 160 to 1586 adults, of which 4 to 20 per cent were ergatoid females. Only one inseminated female occurred per colony, and that female was distinguished by her physogastry. Ergatoid females, even when unmated, had significantly more ovarioles than workers, and mated females had more than virgins. The behavioural repertoire of virgin ergatoids was approximately the same as that of the workers but varied with respect to the frequencies with which the various behaviours were performed. They also noted that ergatoid females were produced throughout the year, but that colony production was positively correlated with mean monthly rainfall.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Afrotropical Region: South Africa, Zimbabwe.

Nomenclature

 *  foreli. Ocymyrmex weitzeckeri var. foreli Arnold, 1916: 197 (w.) ZIMBABWE. Bolton, 1981b: 261 (q.); Bolton & Marsh, 1989: 1279 (m.). Raised to species: Bolton, 1981b: 269. See also: Forder & Marsh, 1989: 106.