AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Eciton burchellii
Army Ant
Westwood, 1842
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A nomadic ant species known for its massive predatory raids. They lack permanent nests, forming temporary bivouacs with their own bodies instead. They exhibit extreme polymorphism among worker castes, ranging from tiny ants to soldiers with scythe-shaped mandibles.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Hymenoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Formicidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Eciton
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Westwood, 1842
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
They inhabit mainly dense tropical rainforests from Mexico to Argentina. They require large areas of continuous forest to sustain their massive colonies and nomadic predatory lifestyle.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Their behavior is cyclical: they alternate between a nomadic phase where they move and hunt, and a stationary phase (bivouac) where the queen lays eggs and larvae develop. Their raids are true ecological events that mobilize much of the understory fauna.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly eusocial. The colony operates as a superorganism where decisions are not made centrally, but through individual interactions and chemical pheromone signals.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Strict carnivore: They feed on a wide variety of insects, spiders, scorpions, and even small vertebrates found in their path.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They act as generalist invertebrate predators. They are a critical link that maintains the balance of insect and arthropod populations on the forest floor, as well as providing food for numerous specialized birds and reptiles.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The queen, which is an ergatogyne (wingless) female, is fertilized by winged males. Egg-laying is massive and synchronized with the colony's life cycle.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
0.5 - 1.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.01 g - 0.05 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50000 - 200000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 Months
Females1 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are significantly larger than workers, have robust wings, and highly developed compound eyes for queen detection during nuptial flight.
Females Multi-lang
Females (workers) exhibit polymorphism, from the smallest ones to large 'soldiers' with voluminous heads and mandibles adapted for defense.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Bivouac formation: The colony uses the bodies of interlocked workers to build a protective structure for the queen and larvae, regulating temperature and humidity.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Forest fragmentation: The reduction of forest connectivity disrupts their nomadic migration cycles, affecting the survival of entire colonies.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Avian symbiosis: Many species of insectivorous birds (antbirds) faithfully follow army ant raids to capture insects fleeing the tide of ants.