Nesting biology of the fungus-growing ant Cyphomyrmex longiscapus Weber (Attini, Formicidae)

The fungus-growing ant Cyphomymrex longiscapus Weber (Attini, Formicidae) exhibits one of the most peculiar nesting habits of all attine ants. It constructs semi-pendant nests resembling miniature swallow nests at vertical embankments or under overhanging logs and fashions entrances with funnel-like "auricles" constructed of clay. The entrance auricle surrounds a large nest opening that exposes the garden and renders it susceptible to desiccation. The distribution of C. longiscapus therefore is limited to wetter habitats. Nests are strictly monogynous. Queenright nests of C. longiscapus can be collected easily because of its conspicuous and shallow nest architecture, making this species an ideal candidate for population surveys of geographic variation in symbiont diversity, garden substrate, or parasitism in a lower attine ant.