Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic genus of ants: "genus Polyergus" refers to a specific genus within the ant family Formicidae. These ants are commonly known as "Amazon ants" or "slave-making ants" due to their parasitic behavior of raiding other ant colonies to capture pupae, which then become workers in the Polyergus colony.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Polyergus is known for its specialized raiding behavior.
  • Scientists are studying the evolution of social parasitism in the genus Polyergus.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: Used to specify this particular group in scientific classification.
  • The specimen was identified as belonging to the genus Polyergus.

Variants and Related Words

• Polyergus (n): The abbreviated, standard form of the genus name.
  • Polyergus ants are obligate social parasites.
• Amazon ant (n): The common name for ants in this genus.
  • An Amazon ant colony depends on enslaved workers from other species.

Synonyms

• Amazon ants (common name)
• Slave-making ants (descriptive term)

Related Phrases

• Social parasite: A term describing the ecological strategy of the genus.
  • The genus Polyergus is a classic example of a social parasite.

Noun

1. Amazon ants