Doryline

/ˈdɔːrɪlaɪn/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of the subfamily Dorylinae; describing ants that have the traits of primitive or nomadic hunting ants.

Etymology

From 'Dorylinae' (subfamily of ants) + '-ine' suffix (Latin suffix meaning 'of or relating to'). The term is used in entomology to classify and describe characteristics of these particular ants.

Kelly Says

Doryline ants are sometimes called 'living fossils' because they have a body structure that hasn't changed much in 100+ million years—studying them is like opening a window into the Cretaceous era.

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