Anochetus mayri
This record describes Anochetus mayri (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Back of head lacking dark apophyseal lines
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ponerinae
- Tribe
- Ponerini
- Genus
- Anochetus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
In the US, south Florida. Elsewhere, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Emery 1884
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Anochetus mayri. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anochetus mayri (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Anochetus mayri
What is Anochetus mayri?
Anochetus mayri is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Anochetus mayri?
Back of head lacking dark apophyseal lines
Where is Anochetus mayri found?
Range: In the US, south Florida. Elsewhere, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
Make sense of the bugs at home.50 household bug profiles for you. Photos, coloring, and activities for curious kids.




