Cyphomyrmex rimosus (Spinola, 1851)

Cyphomyrmex rimosus is a small dull brown to blackish brown ant with deep antennal scrobes, enlarged frontal lobes that obscure the lateral margins of the face, no propodeal spines, an apedunculate petiole, tubercles on the mesosoma, and appressed scale-like hairs. These ants are sometimes difficult to detect on account of their small size, slow movement and tendency to become immobile and even feign death when disturbed. Cyphomyrmex rimosus has a monomorphic worker caste and is considered one of the ‘lower’ attines and cultivates fungus gardens grown on scavenged vegetable matter, dead insects and insect fras. The species is native to the Neotropics, but has established introduced populations in the southern United States and the Galapagos islands. It is not considered a significant pest species in its native or introduced range.