Dorymyrmex bureni
This record describes Dorymyrmex bureni (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is can be identified in the field by its yellowish coloration, long legs and scapes, fast movement, and by its preference for sandy soils. (MacGown 2012) Dorymyrmex bureni (Trager) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012 Dorymyrmex bureni abounds in Florida and seems especially happy among the fire ants in human dominated habitats. --James C. Trager This species is not considered a pest or nuisance species as it does not frequent man-made buildings, does not sting or readily bite, and does not shoot noxious formic acid as in some formicine ants. (MacGown 2012)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Dolichoderinae
- Tribe
- Leptomyrmecini
- Genus
- Dorymyrmex (Pyramid Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Disturbed, sandy areas. Unglaciated sand prairie, post oak savanna.
Geographic Range
TX-FL-VA (MacGown 2012)
Seasonal Activity
may be seen foraging throughout the year on warm days (MacGown 2012)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in soil.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for William F. Buren who first recognized this ant as a species distinct from C. flavopectus and C. flava . (Trager, 1988) Pyramid ants are named for their volcano-shaped nest entrances
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Dorymyrmex bureni. 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 Dorymyrmex bureni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorymyrmex bureni
What is Dorymyrmex bureni?
Dorymyrmex bureni is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Dorymyrmex bureni?
Worker: Overall length approximately 3.0 to 3.5 mm (MacGown 2012) Queen: Overall length approximately 6.5 mm
How do you identify Dorymyrmex bureni?
This species is can be identified in the field by its yellowish coloration, long legs and scapes, fast movement, and by its preference for sandy soils. (MacGown 2012) Dorymyrmex bureni (Trager) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012
Where is Dorymyrmex bureni found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Disturbed, sandy areas. Unglaciated sand prairie, post oak savanna. |
| Range | TX-FL-VA (MacGown 2012) |
When is Dorymyrmex bureni active?
Dorymyrmex bureni: seasonal activity - may be seen foraging throughout the year on warm days (MacGown 2012).
What is the life cycle of a Dorymyrmex bureni?
Nests in soil.