Brachymyrmex depilis

n addition to being general scavengers workers also tend root aphids and coccids in underground galleries. The gastral tergites of Brachymyrmex depilis workers have flexible connections that permit their gaster to easily expand and contract. Their crops can be filled with a large amount of liquid, at least relative to the overall size of a worker.

Identification
Very small yellow ants. Their color distinguishes this species from other named North American Brachymyrmex, which vary from grey to dark brown. The genus can be readily separated from other Formicinae by the combination of their small size and 9 segmented antenna.

Distribution
This taxon was described from the United States. Range United States, S Canada, Mexico. Most U.S. states and south into Mexico. This species is putatively wide ranging. A badly needed taxonomic revision of the North America forms will likely reveal that Brachymyrmex depilis is a number of distinctive species.

Biology
Brachymyrmex depilis are opportunistic nesters, making galleries in downed wood, at the base of living vegetation, under bark, under stones, in litter, along roots and in the soil. Their small size and thin integument means individuals desiccate quickly, leading colonies to settle in places where they can have humid nest chambers.

Nomenclature

 *  depilis. Brachymyrmex heeri subsp. depilis Emery, 1893i: 635 (w.q.) U.S.A. Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1953c: 139 (l.). Raised to species: Santschi, 1923b: 663. Senior synonym of nanellus: Creighton, 1950a: 359; of flavescens: Cole, 1953g: 266.
 * nanellus. Brachymyrmex nanellus Wheeler, W.M. 1903b: 102, fig. 7b (w.m.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of depilis: Creighton, 1950a: 359.
 * flavescens. Brachymyrmex depilis subsp. flavescens Grundmann, 1952: 117 (w.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of depilis: Cole, 1953g: 266.

Description
Etymology Descriptive. depilis = "without hair"

Additional References
Smith, M. R. 1965. House-infesting ants of the eastern United States. Their recognition, biology, and economic importance. U. S. Dep. Agric. Tech. Bull. 1326: 1-105