Solenopsis major

Introduction

Solenopsis major is a relatively large member of the thief ant group, belonging to the Solenopsis molesta species complex . Workers are 2.07-2.46 mm total length and have a distinctive golden yellow coloration, sometimes with a brownish gaster . Queens are notably larger at 3.84-4.20 mm and appear uniformly brown . The worker's clypeus has poorly developed lateral teeth, while the queen has well-developed clypeal teeth . This species was originally described from Argentina and later recorded in wet cloud forest habitats of Costa Rica, giving it a disjunct Neotropical distribution . Workers are small but active, with a smooth, shiny body and a somewhat elongate head . These ants are classified as Tropical Climate Specialists (TCS), reflecting their ability to thrive in both warm humid forests of Costa Rica and more temperate Argentine regions . As a member of the Solenopsis molesta complex, they are likely to exhibit typical thief ant behavior - entering other ant nests to steal brood or food - but this has not been confirmed specifically for this species . The golden yellow workers and brown queens create a nice visual contrast in a colony.