Neivamyrmex carolinensis

This species nests in the soil or under stones on rocky hillsides (in NM). Nests are large, up to 50,000 workers. Foragers are rarely seen above the ground, as they are active nocturnally. Flights occur in May and June. Trail pheromones are used in foraging. This is the only species known to be polygynous (multiple queens in a nest). Workers in laboratory nests with gynes present live longer than workers without the gyne. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
Key to the Neivamyrmex species of the United States

The dorsum of the head of the worker is smooth and glossy, with scattered piligerous (hair bearing) punctures. The mesosoma, petiole, and postpetiole are mostly smooth, and some areas are distinctly glossy. The node of the petiole is nearly square in shape, as seen from above. The eye is cellus-like, with a definite cornea. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
Unites States: southeastern U.S. west to AZ, KS, NM. Mexico: Chihuahua.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Habitat
Pine Forest.

Nomenclature

 *  carolinensis. Eciton (Acamatus) carolinense Emery, 1894c: 184 (diagnosis in key) (w.) U.S.A. Wheeler, W.M. 1921d: 314 (q.m.). Combination in E. (Neivamyrmex): Smith, M.R. 1942c: 564; in Neivamyrmex: Borgmeier, 1953: 6. See also: Borgmeier, 1955: 507; Smith, D.R. 1979: 1330; Snelling, G.C. & Snelling, R.R., 2007: 468.