Myrmica
/mɜːrˈmɪkə/noun
A genus of ants, especially the red ants commonly known as mound ants.
Did you know?The name *Myrmica* comes from Greek *myrmex* meaning “ant,” the same root behind the legendary Myrmidons of Achilles, a warrior people mythically said to descend from ants.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μύρμηξ (mýrmēx)
“ant”
New Latin
Latin
Myrmica
“a scientific genus name for ants”
18th Century
Latin
Myrmica
“formal zoological classification name”
Modern English
English
Myrmica
“a genus of ants”
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