Myrmica americana
This record describes Myrmica americana (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very abundant grassland species, typically red, i.e., brownish red, but often with the head and gaster a little to significantly darker brown. Base of antennal scape almost right-angular, with a narrow spatulate process on the outer, upper portion of the angle. Head, mesosoma and waist segments dull, gaster shiny. Rugae of promesonotum are meandering and anastomosing, and are inverted-V-shaped in cross-section. (This is key, as some possibly confused, undescribed species have the rugae fewer, broader, more or less parallel, and inverted-U-shaped in cross-section.) The name Myrmica americana is applied to a very common grassland and meadow species of eastern and central North America, but on the basis of the type specimens, may be misapplied. Until a proper revision appears, we'll let it stand.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Myrmicini
- Genus
- Myrmica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grasslands, barrens, savannas, sandy woodlands, possibly also cold (sagebrush) deserts.
Geographic Range
Apparently, all of temperate North America, at least until the messy taxonomy of this genus is resolved. The species is more common and widely distributed in the US and Canada to the east of the Rocky Mountains.
Seasonal Activity
As for the genus.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: As for the genus.
Life History
As for the genus.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Myrmica americana. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrmica americana
What is Myrmica americana?
Myrmica americana is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Myrmica americana?
workers 4.5-5 mm, queens 6.5-8 mm, males 7-7.5 mm
How do you identify Myrmica americana?
A very abundant grassland species, typically red, i.e., brownish red, but often with the head and gaster a little to significantly darker brown. Base of antennal scape almost right-angular, with a narrow spatulate process on the outer, upper portion of the angle. Head, mesosoma and waist segments dull, gaster shiny. Rugae of promesonotum are meandering and anastomosing, and are inverted-V-shaped in cross-section. (This is key, as some possibly confused, undescribed species have the rugae fewer, broader, more or less parallel, and inverted-U-shaped in cross-section.)
Where is Myrmica americana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grasslands, barrens, savannas, sandy woodlands, possibly also cold (sagebrush) deserts. |
| Range | Apparently, all of temperate North America, at least until the messy taxonomy of this genus is resolved. The species is more common and widely distributed in the US and Canada to the east of the Rocky Mountains. |
What does Myrmica americana eat?
The diet of the Myrmica americana includes As for the genus..
When is Myrmica americana active?
Myrmica americana: seasonal activity - As for the genus..
What is the life cycle of a Myrmica americana?
As for the genus.