Bothriomyrmex decapitans

insect

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July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Bothriomyrmex decapitans is an ant species known for its parasitic behavior. The queen of this species, found in Africa, employs a unique strategy to establish a new colony. She allows herself to be brought into the nest of another ant species, Tapinoma. Once inside, she kills the Tapinoma queen and begins laying her own eggs. The Tapinoma workers, unaware of the deception, then care for the Bothriomyrmex brood, effectively becoming enslaved to the new queen. This behavior is an example of social parasitism within the order Hymenoptera.12

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ant
Notable ant behaviors
The queen of Bothriomyrmex decapitans of Africa, for example, allows herself to be dragged by Tapinoma ants into their nest. She then bites off the head of the Tapinoma queen and begins laying her own eggs, which are cared for by the “enslaved” Tapinoma workers. Workers of the…
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The queen of Bothriomyrmex decapitans of Africa, for example, allows herself to be dragged by Tapinoma ants into their nest. She then bites off the head of the Tapinoma queen and begins laying her own eggs, which are cared for by the “enslaved” Tapinoma workers. Workers of the…
Read More