Dolichoderus taschenbergi
This record describes Dolichoderus taschenbergi (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
An unmistakable species of this genus in North America, as it is the only one with a jet black color In the spring, workers of this species will form a mass of ants in exposed areas to warm themselves
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Dolichoderinae
- Tribe
- Dolichoderini
- Genus
- Dolichoderus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A widely distributed but uncommon eastern NA ant of open natural remnant habitats, ranging from hill prairies and alvars to bogs.
Geographic Range
Manitoba eastward; more common in the northern parts of its range
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Dolichoderus taschenbergi. 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 Dolichoderus taschenbergi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichoderus taschenbergi
What is Dolichoderus taschenbergi?
Dolichoderus taschenbergi is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Dolichoderus taschenbergi?
An unmistakable species of this genus in North America, as it is the only one with a jet black color
Where is Dolichoderus taschenbergi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A widely distributed but uncommon eastern NA ant of open natural remnant habitats, ranging from hill prairies and alvars to bogs. |
| Range | Manitoba eastward; more common in the northern parts of its range |