Polyergus mexicanus complex (Kidnapper Ant)

about the species

Polyergus mexicanus kidnapper ants occur in all California ecoregions except the Central Valley, Sonoran Basin, and Colorado Desert, and they have a fascinating life history characterized by obligate raiding of Formica ant hosts to obtain an enslaved worker population. Host specialization appears to be driving divergence, and potential speciation, among at least four different lineages in California.

why species was selected

The Polyergus mexicanus species complex is of conservation interest due to 1) the rarity of these specialized parasites, 2) their unclear taxonomic organization, and 3) the possible existence of California endemic species within the complex.

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