Neivamyrmex pilosus
This record describes Neivamyrmex pilosus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are relatively obvious with a clear mandible shot, since they have a convex bump on the inner edge of the mandible (our other Neivamyrmex have uninterrupted concave hoooked mandibles or straight ones). Workers are very shiny and smooth black dorylines, very distinct from other US Neivamyrmex . Type Locality: BRAZIL, Amazonas, Vila Nova
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
subterranean
Geographic Range
AZ to MS, AR / so. to S. Amer. (CA record considered dubious) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Although Neivamyrmex ants are not uncommon, they are not often encountered because of their partly subterranean habits. Neivamyrmex pilosus is among the more commonly encountered of the Neotropical army ants. Like most Neivamyrmex species, they are specialist predators on other ants. However, this species is unusual in its preference for arboreal (or tree-nesting) ants. (per myrmecos.net)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pilos (L). 'hairy'
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neivamyrmex pilosus. 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 pilosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Neivamyrmex pilosus
What is Neivamyrmex pilosus?
Neivamyrmex pilosus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Neivamyrmex pilosus?
Males are relatively obvious with a clear mandible shot, since they have a convex bump on the inner edge of the mandible (our other Neivamyrmex have uninterrupted concave hoooked mandibles or straight ones). Workers are very shiny and smooth black dorylines, very distinct from other US Neivamyrmex .
Where is Neivamyrmex pilosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | subterranean |
| Range | AZ to MS, AR / so. to S. Amer. (CA record considered dubious) ( 3 ) |
What is the life cycle of a Neivamyrmex pilosus?
Although Neivamyrmex ants are not uncommon, they are not often encountered because of their partly subterranean habits. Neivamyrmex pilosus is among the more commonly encountered of the Neotropical army ants. Like most Neivamyrmex species, they are specialist predators on other ants. However, this species is unusual in its preference for arboreal (or tree-nesting) ants. (per myrmecos.net)