Formica az02
Formica undescribed-az-two
This record describes Formica undescribed-az-two (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wide head, sparse pubescence on gaster, dense pilosity on dorsum of mesosoma, smaller eyes, no erect pilosity on scapes Undescribed Arizona species in the neogagates-group AntWeb specimen
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Formicini
- Genus
- Formica (Wood ants, mound ants, & field ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AntWeb specimen collected in Yavapai Co., Arizona
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Formica undescribed-az-two. 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 Formica az02 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Oliver Yung
Frequently Asked Questions About Formica az02
What is Formica az02?
Formica az02 (Formica undescribed-az-two) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Formica az02?
Wide head, sparse pubescence on gaster, dense pilosity on dorsum of mesosoma, smaller eyes, no erect pilosity on scapes
Where is Formica az02 found?
Range: AntWeb specimen collected in Yavapai Co., Arizona