Dorymyrmex flavus
This record describes Dorymyrmex flavus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
nests were observed in open areas and sandy substrates (Warriner et al. 2008)
Geographic Range
se US, AZ / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
The species was found to swarm in June, well into the fall season (Warriner et al. 2008)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: D. flavus is an opportunistic omnivore, but will readily feed on honeydew and other arthropods, both by hunting and scavenging. (Warriner et al. 2008)
Life History
Colonies of D. flavus continue to thrive in Solenopsis invicta Buren infested areas. This is accomplished by being an effective defender of the nest, possessing an ability to seal off tunnels and escape during invasions, spatially occupying soils that are not well suited to S. invicta , occurring in clumps to increase numbers to defend a territory, and being extremely aggressive towards newly mated S. invicta queens, which diminishes future threats of competition. (Warriner et al. 2008)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dorymyrmex flavus McCook, 1879
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Dorymyrmex flavus. 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 flavus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorymyrmex flavus
Where is Dorymyrmex flavus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | nests were observed in open areas and sandy substrates (Warriner et al. 2008) |
| Range | se US, AZ / Mex. |
What does Dorymyrmex flavus eat?
The diet of the Dorymyrmex flavus includes D. flavus is an opportunistic omnivore, but will readily feed on honeydew and other arthropods, both by hunting and scavenging. (Warriner et al. 2008).
When is Dorymyrmex flavus active?
Dorymyrmex flavus: seasonal activity - The species was found to swarm in June, well into the fall season (Warriner et al. 2008).
What is the life cycle of a Dorymyrmex flavus?
Colonies of D. flavus continue to thrive in Solenopsis invicta Buren infested areas. This is accomplished by being an effective defender of the nest, possessing an ability to seal off tunnels and escape during invasions, spatially occupying soils that are not well suited to S. invicta , occurring in clumps to increase numbers to defend a territory, and being extremely aggressive towards newly mated S. invicta queens, which diminishes future threats of competition. (Warriner et al. 2008)