Ectatomma spp.  [Invalid]

Ectatomma is a genus of relatively large ants with large convex eyes high up on the head, a strongly convex mesonotum bordered by suture lines, a strongly upright petiolar node, and a distinct constriction separating abdominal segments 3+4. The two species of most concern for accidental introduction are E. tuberculatum (Oliver) and E. ruidum (Roger). Both species are widespread across their native Neotropical ranges, and the latter is also known from the Galapagos. Both species have also been intercepted at US ports of entry, along with several other of their congeners. Colonies of Ectatomma tuberculatum were intentionally introduced to Texas in 1904 as a biological control agent for weevil pests, but apparently did not survive past 1905 (Weber, 1946). Details of both species concerning their biology and natural histories were comprehensively chronicled by Weber (1946).