Aphaenogaster treatae
This record describes Aphaenogaster treatae (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large, flat lobe at base of scape of antenna.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Stenammini
- Genus
- Aphaenogaster (Spine-waisted Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers open areas with sandy substrates.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aphaenogaster treatae. 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 Aphaenogaster treatae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ben Coulter
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphaenogaster treatae
What is Aphaenogaster treatae?
Aphaenogaster treatae is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Aphaenogaster treatae?
Large, flat lobe at base of scape of antenna.
Where is Aphaenogaster treatae found?
Habitat: Prefers open areas with sandy substrates.