Gnamptogenys hartmani
This record describes Gnamptogenys hartmani (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A rarely collected species. Distinguished from the only other US ectatommine species (Gnamptogenys triangularis) by its smaller size, lighter color, and lack of propodeal spines.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ectatomminae
- Genus
- Gnamptogenys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rarely seen above ground and most collections are from single workers or from excavations of prey attine nests (UT Austin has a few specimens from pitfall traps). In the US they are sometimes found temporarily residing in recently raided Trachymyrmex nests.
Geographic Range
A seemingly continuous distribution from TX and LA to northern Argentina. Within the US, sparse records exist from Louisiana east of the Mississippi to east central Texas
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported to be a predator of attine fungus growing ants. Preys on Trachymyrmex septentrionalis in the US but also a few tropical genera further south in the tropics
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Type specimen described by Wheeler in 1915 from Huntsville TX
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Gnamptogenys hartmani. 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 Gnamptogenys hartmani (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnamptogenys hartmani
What is Gnamptogenys hartmani?
Gnamptogenys hartmani is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Gnamptogenys hartmani?
A rarely collected species. Distinguished from the only other US ectatommine species (Gnamptogenys triangularis) by its smaller size, lighter color, and lack of propodeal spines.
Where is Gnamptogenys hartmani found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rarely seen above ground and most collections are from single workers or from excavations of prey attine nests (UT Austin has a few specimens from pitfall traps). In the US they are sometimes found temporarily residing in recently raided Trachymyrmex nests. |
| Range | A seemingly continuous distribution from TX and LA to northern Argentina. Within the US, sparse records exist from Louisiana east of the Mississippi to east central Texas |
What does Gnamptogenys hartmani eat?
The diet of the Gnamptogenys hartmani includes Reported to be a predator of attine fungus growing ants. Preys on Trachymyrmex septentrionalis in the US but also a few tropical genera further south in the tropics.