Cyphomyrmex rimosus
This record describes Cyphomyrmex rimosus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to Cyphomyrmex minutus but larger and more widespread, with a deep hairless furrow on the dorsum of the postpetiole extending well into the first gastric tergite. C. minutus C. rimosus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Attini
- Genus
- Cyphomyrmex
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Leaf litter and other detritus, most often in disturbed areas/human habitat.
Geographic Range
TX-FL-NC (native to the Neotropics, adventive in the se US.)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: A fungus grower, raises its yeast-like mutualist fungus on scraps of dead insects and frass.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cyphomyrmex rimosus. 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 Cyphomyrmex rimosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyphomyrmex rimosus
What is Cyphomyrmex rimosus?
Cyphomyrmex rimosus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Cyphomyrmex rimosus?
Similar to Cyphomyrmex minutus but larger and more widespread, with a deep hairless furrow on the dorsum of the postpetiole extending well into the first gastric tergite. C. minutus C. rimosus
Where is Cyphomyrmex rimosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Leaf litter and other detritus, most often in disturbed areas/human habitat. |
| Range | TX-FL-NC (native to the Neotropics, adventive in the se US.) |
What does Cyphomyrmex rimosus eat?
The diet of the Cyphomyrmex rimosus includes A fungus grower, raises its yeast-like mutualist fungus on scraps of dead insects and frass..