Brachymyrmex obscurior
This record describes Brachymyrmex obscurior (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to B. patagonicus . The eyes are smaller. Introduced, originally from Central and South America.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Myrmelachistini
- Genus
- Brachymyrmex (Rover ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
US records mostly FL peninsula, also s. TX - Map [Cite:163848,18]
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Brachymyrmex obscurior. 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 Brachymyrmex obscurior (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachymyrmex obscurior
What is Brachymyrmex obscurior?
Brachymyrmex obscurior is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Brachymyrmex obscurior?
Very similar to B. patagonicus . The eyes are smaller.
Where is Brachymyrmex obscurior found?
Range: US records mostly FL peninsula, also s. TX - Map [Cite:163848,18]