Leptogenys elongata
This record describes Leptogenys elongata (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
female & male This species lacks a winged queen caste, but the ergatoid (worker-like) queens are still morphological distinguishable from the workers by their shorter and wider petiole and usually distended abdomen:
Identification notes
female & male
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Ponerinae
- Tribe
- Ponerini
- Genus
- Leptogenys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. LA, Red River to c. Mex. - AntWiki
Seasonal Activity
Most easily collected March-May. Males have been collected in May, June and October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Commonly feeds on isopods (especially Armadillidium sp.), but perhaps takes other prey as well, like spiders.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leptogenys elongata (Buckley, 1866)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Leptogenys elongata. 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 Leptogenys elongata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Graham M , James C. Trager , Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptogenys elongata
What is Leptogenys elongata?
Leptogenys elongata is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Leptogenys elongata?
female & male
Where is Leptogenys elongata found?
Range: sw. LA, Red River to c. Mex. - AntWiki
What does Leptogenys elongata eat?
The diet of the Leptogenys elongata includes Commonly feeds on isopods (especially Armadillidium sp.), but perhaps takes other prey as well, like spiders..
When is Leptogenys elongata active?
Leptogenys elongata: seasonal activity - Most easily collected March-May. Males have been collected in May, June and October..