In need of Myrmecocystus

     I am initiating a phylogenetic study of the honeypot ant genus Myrmecocystus, capitalizing on the recent phylogenetic work of Kronauer, Gadau, and Hölldobler and the taxonomic revision of Snelling. The species in this genus have a wide range of morphologies, behaviors, and interactions which, when placed in a phlyogenetic context, may help illuminate processes of speciation, dispersal, behavioral and biochemical adaptation to stressful environments, temporal/thermal niche partitioning, and evolution of competition. I intend to complete the study by the end of 2007.
      Ethanol-preserved or frozen samples, especially of rarely-collected species, are always appreciated. Even more important, however, is additional information on the ecology of individual species -- time and temperature ranges for foraging, interactions with other ants (especially congeners), predation on the ants, ant food sources, timing of mating flights, nest morphology, habitat, ranges, etc. I am compiling a database of this information from the literature, but any additional information is welcome.

Brian O'Meara
Population Biology/Entomology
University of California, Davis
Phil Ward laboratory
http://www.brianomeara.info