This is the largest of all ant subfamilies, with more
than 6,700 described species andmany others awaiting
description. Myrmicines encompass an extraordinary
range of foraging behaviours, nesting habits,
and colony structure. They include omnivores,
generalized predators and scavengers, specialist predators,
seed harvesters, primitive fungus-growers,
and leaf-cutting ants (Ho¨ lldobler and Wilson 1990).
They are found on all major land masses and in
essentially all habitats occupied by ants.Myrmicines
well known to the public include fire ants (Solenopsis
spp.), leaf-cutting ants (Atta, Acromyrmex), and seed
harvesters (Pogonomyrmex, Messor).