Eciton burchellii foreli

von Beeren et al. (2018) found the Wasmannian mimic rove-beetles Ecitophya simulans, Ecitomorpha cf. breviceps, and Ecitomorpha cf. nevermanni in colonies of this species in La Selva biological station in Costa Rica. An analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons showed both the ants and beetles had similar CHC profiles. Laboratory behavioral assays showed the beetles sought contact with host ants and often engaged in reciprocal grooming behavior with workers.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama.

Castes

 * Worker

Nomenclature

 *  foreli. Eciton foreli Mayr, 1886b: 116 (diagnosis in key) (s.w.) PANAMA. Borgmeier, 1936: 154 (q.). Junior synonym of burchellii: Emery, 1896g: 39. Revived from synonymy as subspecies of burchellii: Santschi, 1925d: 222; Borgmeier, 1936: 54. Senior synonym of viator: Borgmeier, 1936: 54. See also: Borgmeier, 1955: 188.
 * viator. Eciton burchelli var. viator Santschi, 1925d: 221 (s.w.) COLOMBIA. Junior synonym of foreli: Borgmeier, 1936: 54.