Eurhopalothrix floridana
This record describes Eurhopalothrix floridana (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larger size, very strange flat scapes, and stout triangular head separate it locally from similar looking Pyramica ( =Strumigenys )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Attini
- Genus
- Eurhopalothrix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in rotten wood and leaf litter, not too particular about soil drainage.
Geographic Range
Florida peninsula, extending into the panhandle. Also found in some Caribbean islands. At present it is not clear if it is native to Florida or exotic.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Eurhopalothrix floridana. 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 Eurhopalothrix floridana (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Eurhopalothrix floridana
What is Eurhopalothrix floridana?
Eurhopalothrix floridana is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Eurhopalothrix floridana?
1.6-1.8mm
How do you identify Eurhopalothrix floridana?
Larger size, very strange flat scapes, and stout triangular head separate it locally from similar looking Pyramica ( =Strumigenys )
Where is Eurhopalothrix floridana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in rotten wood and leaf litter, not too particular about soil drainage. |
| Range | Florida peninsula, extending into the panhandle. Also found in some Caribbean islands. At present it is not clear if it is native to Florida or exotic. |