lehmämuurahaisista

Lehmämuurahaiset, scientifically known as *Myrmecocystus*, are a genus of ants famous for their unique social structure and specialized worker castes, particularly the repletes. These ants are found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America and Mexico.

The most striking feature of lehmämuurahaiset is their "replete" workers. These are specialized individuals whose abdomens are greatly enlarged to store liquids, typically nectar and honeydew, collected by foragers. When food is scarce, the repletes regurgitate their stored food to feed other members of the colony, acting as living larders. This adaptation is crucial for survival in environments with unpredictable food availability.

Lehmämuurahaiset colonies are typically found in underground nests, often with multiple entrances. The colony structure includes a queen, reproductive males, and various worker castes. Foragers venture out to collect food sources, which can include seeds, dead insects, and sweet liquids produced by other insects or plants.

The behavior of lehmämuurahaiset is highly adapted to their desert environment. They are often most active during cooler parts of the day, such as dawn and dusk, to avoid extreme heat. Their ability to store and share food makes them a vital part of the desert ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and providing food for other animals. Despite their common name, "lehmämuurahainen" (cow ant), they are not related to cows; the name likely refers to their ability to "milk" their stored reserves to feed others.