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Glite Dictionary
Eciton

Eciton

9.9
A kind of army ant from Central and South America that hunts in large swarms
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Eciton
  • The foraging behavior of Eciton species showcases their strength in numbers and teamwork.
  • Eciton burchelli

Examples

  • While hiking in Central America, I observed a swarm of Eciton ants efficiently transporting prey.

  • A segment of a nest of Eciton burchelli in a Panamanian rainforest.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Eciton burchelli smells of a combination of tangerine and body odor—unforgettable, once you've experienced it a few times.

    Academic text (2003)

  • In the Amazon rainforest, the Eciton army ants march in a long line as they search for food.

Synonyms

army ant
vsEciton
  • Specialized
1 6.4

A tropical ant that moves in large groups and hunts other insects

is a specific Central and South American genus known for aggressive foraging
driver ant
vsEciton
  • South African
1 9.1

A large tropical ant that moves in long lines and hunts other insects

is a genus native to Central and South America not Africa
legionary ant
vsEciton
  • Specialized
9.3

A tropical ant that moves in large swarms to hunt other insects

is a Central and South American genus rather than a generic species term
Dorylinae
vsEciton
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of ant that moves and hunts together in large, aggressive groups

is a narrower Central and South American genus with aggressive foraging

Surface Forms

Eciton main

Etymology

Eciton comes from Greek and means 'moving army', a vivid picture for these army ants that sweep quickly across the forest floor as they hunt.