Hypoponera opaciceps
This record describes Hypoponera opaciceps (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The largest of our Hypoponera , with a rather broad head with rounded sides in dorsal view; front and rear faces of petiole parallel, vertical in side view. Probably non-native in our area
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ponerinae
- Tribe
- Ponerini
- Genus
- Hypoponera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
forested habitat where it nests opportunistically and forages in and around rotting logs, soil and leaf litter
Geographic Range
Neotropic, nearctic; SE Asia, Polynesia. In our area, se.US.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hypoponera opaciceps (Mayr 1887)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Hypoponera opaciceps. 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 Hypoponera opaciceps (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , James C. Trager , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypoponera opaciceps
What is Hypoponera opaciceps?
Hypoponera opaciceps is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Hypoponera opaciceps?
3.5‒4 mm
How do you identify Hypoponera opaciceps?
The largest of our Hypoponera , with a rather broad head with rounded sides in dorsal view; front and rear faces of petiole parallel, vertical in side view.
Where is Hypoponera opaciceps found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | forested habitat where it nests opportunistically and forages in and around rotting logs, soil and leaf litter |
| Range | Neotropic, nearctic; SE Asia, Polynesia. In our area, se.US. |