Copper-Bellied Ant
Ochetellus glaber
This record describes Ochetellus glaber (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small black dolichoderine ants with a sharp propodeum end, almost forming a right angle. Under ideal lighting conditions the abdomen has a faint copper sheen, but it otherwise appears dark. They taste quite chemically spicy, like a Dolichoderus or Aphaenogaster! In Florida: Colonies may be in dead wood or in tussocks of marsh grass (Deyrup, Davis & Cover, 2000).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Dolichoderinae
- Tribe
- Leptomyrmecini
- Genus
- Ochetellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
In the mainland US, well established in the immediate area surrounding Orlando FL. It may be slowly spreading. It is a common ant in Hawaii and in many other places where it is introduced. Native to Australia, the type locality.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ochetellus glaber. 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 Copper-Bellied Ant
What is Copper-Bellied Ant?
Copper-Bellied Ant (Ochetellus glaber) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Copper-Bellied Ant?
Small black dolichoderine ants with a sharp propodeum end, almost forming a right angle. Under ideal lighting conditions the abdomen has a faint copper sheen, but it otherwise appears dark. They taste quite chemically spicy, like a Dolichoderus or Aphaenogaster!
Where is Copper-Bellied Ant found?
Range: In the mainland US, well established in the immediate area surrounding Orlando FL. It may be slowly spreading. It is a common ant in Hawaii and in many other places where it is introduced. Native to Australia, the type locality.