Proformica is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae. The genus is known from the Palearctic realm, from Mongolia through Central Asia to Spain. Colonies are small, generally containing a few hundred individuals, with a single queen (monogyne) or multiple ergatogyne queens. Unique in the tribe Formicini, some species have specialized workers ("honeypot ants") gorged with food; they function as living storage containers.
GENUS
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Proformica is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae. The genus is known from the Palearctic realm, from Mongolia through Central Asia to Spain. Colonies are small, generally containing a few hundred individuals, with a single queen (monogyne) or multiple ergatogyne queens. Unique in the tribe Formicini, some species have specialized workers ("honeypot ants") gorged with food; they function as living storage containers.
==Parasite host== Four species are host to obligate slave-making ants in the genus Rossomyrmex, with each species forming a coevolving pair: Rossomyrmex proformicarum–Proformica epinotalis Rossomyrmex quandratinodum–Proformica sp. Rossomyrmex anatolicus–Proformica korbi Rossomyrmex minuchae–Proformica longiseta
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