Ergatoid

[1][2] The similar but somewhat ambiguous term ergatogyne refers to any intermediate form between workers and standard gynes.

[4] Without wings, almost all species of ants that solely produce ergatoid queens establish new colonies by fission.

[1] The ergatoid queens of the species Blepharidatta conops are quite morphologically distinct as well, with an enlarged head used to wall off the nest entrance in the case of invasion by predators.

[9] In addition to the loss of wings, male C. obscurior have altered eye structure and pigmentation, larger bodies, and lifelong spermatogensis.

[9][10] In addition to their morphological changes, male C. obscurior ergatoids exhibit high levels of aggression toward each other, so much so that they have been dubbed local fighter ants.

[6][7][12][13][14] Only 3 species' ergatoid queens, all from the genus Pogonomyrmex (harvester ants), have been shown to practice independent colony formation, or ICF.