Cryptopone gilva
This record describes Cryptopone gilva (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A bit larger than the Hypoponera and Ponera species in the area and more orange colored. Base of the mandible containing a circular pit as seen in this key .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ponerinae
- Tribe
- Ponerini
- Genus
- Cryptopone
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found within decayed logs, particularly near the centers of decayed pine logs.
Geographic Range
Southeastern states (FL-NC-MO-TX), south down through Central America reaching Panama.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Colonies of one to a few hundred individuals.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cryptopone gilva. 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 Cryptopone gilva (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptopone gilva
What is Cryptopone gilva?
Cryptopone gilva is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Cryptopone gilva?
A bit larger than the Hypoponera and Ponera species in the area and more orange colored. Base of the mandible containing a circular pit as seen in this key .
Where is Cryptopone gilva found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually found within decayed logs, particularly near the centers of decayed pine logs. |
| Range | Southeastern states (FL-NC-MO-TX), south down through Central America reaching Panama. |
What is the life cycle of a Cryptopone gilva?
Colonies of one to a few hundred individuals.