Neivamyrmex melshaemeri
This record describes Neivamyrmex melshaemeri (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small Neivamyrmex species with long curved mandibles, sharp corners on the head behind the eyes, and long hair all over the gaster. This species is most easily confused with Neivamyrmex fuscipennis .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Dorylinae
- Tribe
- Ecitonini
- Genus
- Neivamyrmex (Common Army Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Males found at night at electric lights. Workers unknown at the time of this writing.
Geographic Range
In our area LA, OK, TX, and AZ, south to Costa Rica. Most of the specimens seem to be from Texas, though this may be due to lack of collecting elsewhere.
Seasonal Activity
"Males have been collected from April to August inclusive, most of them having been taken during June. They are apparently among the earliest males of Eciton (now Neivamyrmex ) to appear (Smith 1942)." - Antwiki
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Likely a primarily raider of other ants like all other known Neivamyrmex , but unknown at this time due to lack of a worker association. Male food habits unknown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neivamyrmex melshaemeri Haldeman 1852
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neivamyrmex melshaemeri. 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 Neivamyrmex melshaemeri (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Neivamyrmex melshaemeri
What is Neivamyrmex melshaemeri?
Neivamyrmex melshaemeri is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Neivamyrmex melshaemeri?
Males are smaller than most other common Neivamyrmex
How do you identify Neivamyrmex melshaemeri?
Small Neivamyrmex species with long curved mandibles, sharp corners on the head behind the eyes, and long hair all over the gaster. This species is most easily confused with Neivamyrmex fuscipennis .
Where is Neivamyrmex melshaemeri found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Males found at night at electric lights. Workers unknown at the time of this writing. |
| Range | In our area LA, OK, TX, and AZ, south to Costa Rica. Most of the specimens seem to be from Texas, though this may be due to lack of collecting elsewhere. |
What does Neivamyrmex melshaemeri eat?
The diet of the Neivamyrmex melshaemeri includes Likely a primarily raider of other ants like all other known Neivamyrmex , but unknown at this time due to lack of a worker association. Male food habits unknown..
When is Neivamyrmex melshaemeri active?
Neivamyrmex melshaemeri: seasonal activity - Males have been collected from April to August inclusive, most of them having been taken during June. They are apparently among the earliest males of Eciton (now Neivamyrmex ) to appear (Smith 1942). - Antwiki.