 The number of chromosomes per individual varies from one to over 70 among the species in the genus . The genome of M. pilosula is contained on a single pair of chromosomes ( males have just one chromosome , as they are haploid ) . This is the lowest number possible for any animal , and workers of this species are homologous . Like M. pilosula , M. croslandi also contains a single chromosome . While these ants only have a single chromosome , M. pyriformis contains 41 chromosomes while M. brevinoda contains 42 . The chromosome count for M. piliventris and M. fulvipes is 2 and 12 , respectively . The genus Myrmecia retains many traits that are considered basal for all ants ( i.e. workers foraging alone and relying on visual cues ) . 
