Cyphomyrmex is a genus of fungus-growing ants found primarily in South and Central America. However, some species do come up to the southern portion of North America. They grow a variety of fungi in the tribe Leucocoprineae. Most fungal gardens are grown in small nodules, some species to cultivate entire mycelium, though. Colonies are monogynous and are relatively small with about 100 workers on average. Taxonomy This genus is within the subfamily Myrmicinae and the tribe Attini. Cyphomyrmex is a more basal part of this phylogenetic relationship. With more recent phylogenetic studies, more derived genera are placed ahead of this genus, now making it sister to the genus Mycetophylax. The fungi that are grown by attine ants, like Cyphomyrmex, follow similar diversification as their ant cultivators. Also, chemicals used throughout the attine ants are derived from one another. So, those used by Cyphomyrmex provided a base plan for more complex mixtures that are found in higher genera, like Trachymyrmex. This helps to relate attine ants to one another and even separate species as chemical profiles can be particularly unique. Description The frontal carinae on the head form a shield which is quite diagnostic for this genus. On the mesosoma, there are a series of blunt tubercles lining it. This genus is divided into two complexes, the strigatus and rimosus complex. The strigatus complex is limited to South America, while the rimosus complex ranges from southern North America to South America. Species in the rimosus group can be noted by their anteriorly open antennal scrobe and the five teeth on their mandibles. While strigatus has a closed anterior antennal scrobe with six or more teeth on the mandibles. Life cycle As with all ants, they undergo complete metamorphosis. Their diet varies throughout development. Larvae: They are primarily mycophagous. They are commonly groomed by workers which promotes fungal growth on their integument. This fungal growth can take both the mycelial and yeast form. As larvae develop through multiple instars, they do not differ drastically in their morphology. The main, observable difference is that they become larger and more rotund as they age. Workers: As is found across genera, as ant workers age they progressively move out of the colony. Younger workers are primarily nurses, while older ones are foragers. They also assist with ecdysis for the larvae as they molt or emerge from eggs. In Cyphomyrmex, workers are mostly mycophagous, like the