Pronunciation: [dˈɔːɹɪlˌɪniː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "dorylinae" is a bit tricky, but understanding its phonetic transcription can clear things up. In IPA, "dorylinae" is spelled /dɔːˈrɪlɪniː/. The first syllable is pronounced as "dor" with a long "o" sound, then "yl" is pronounced as "il" with a short "i" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "nee" with a long "e" sound. The "a" in "dorylinae" is an infix used to indicate a subfamily of ants.
Dorylinae is a taxonomic subfamily of ants belonging to the family Formicidae, commonly known as the "army ants." With a distinct nature and behavior, they are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. The name "dorylinae" is derived from the Greek word "dorylon," meaning spear or lance, referring to their organized and regimented swarming behavior.
Dorylinae ants are characterized by their large colony sizes, which can consist of millions of individuals. They are renowned for their nomadic lifestyle, constantly relocating their nests in search of food resources. These ants exhibit a complex division of labor where different castes perform specialized tasks such as foraging, defense, and reproduction.
One prominent feature of Dorylinae is their aggressive and predatory behavior. They are known for their formidable hunting techniques, swarming in massive numbers to overwhelm and overpower their prey, which can include other insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates. This relentless aggression has given them the name "army ants," as they march together in a cohesive unit.
Dorylinae ants play a crucial ecological role in their ecosystems. They effectively control other insect populations, helping maintain the balance of the surrounding fauna and flora. Additionally, their nomadic behavior helps aerate the soil, promoting nutrient cycling and seed dispersal.
Due to their fascinating behavior and ecological importance, Dorylinae ants have been subjects of extensive scientific research. Understanding their social dynamics and foraging patterns can offer valuable insights into the broader field of social insect behavior and provide potential applications in areas such as pest control and conservation.
The word "Dorylinae" is a taxonomic term in biology primarily used to classify a subfamily of ants. The term "Dorylinae" comes from the scientific name of the genus Dorylus, which is a group of army ants. The etymology of "Dorylus" can be traced back to Greek roots.
The Greek word "dory" (δόρυ) means "spear", which is believed to refer to the sharp mandibles or jaws of army ants. The genus name "Dorylus" was coined by French entomologist Pierre André Latreille in the early 19th century when he first described these ants. The suffix "-inae" is a common ending in taxonomy used to denote subfamilies.
