last updated 15.Nov.2006

Polyergus are obligate social parasites of the closely-related genus Formica. Polyergus worker ants are apparently unable to do any of the tasks involved in nest construction, foraging, and brood care. Work in Polyergus colonies is instead performed by the host Formica, who are captured as larvae and pupae during spectacular raids. Polyergus are Holarctic in distribution.