Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex
Brachymyrmex species-d
This record describes Brachymyrmex species-d (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
These queens are very small and only slightly larger than workers of Brachymyrmex depilis , in contrast to B. depilis queens which are much larger.
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
Overlaps with the range of B. depilis, but distribution is not fully known at this time due to how rarely it is collected.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Could be an inquiline of Brachymyrmex depilis .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Brachymyrmex species-d. 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 Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex
What is Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex?
Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex (Brachymyrmex species-d) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex?
These queens are very small and only slightly larger than workers of Brachymyrmex depilis , in contrast to B. depilis queens which are much larger.
Where is Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex found?
Range: Overlaps with the range of B. depilis, but distribution is not fully known at this time due to how rarely it is collected.
What is the life cycle of a Tiny Queen Brachymyrmex?
Could be an inquiline of Brachymyrmex depilis .